The "Southern Sinagua" is the name archeologists have given to the former inhabitants of Palatki and this site has significant pictographs in place as well as interesting architectural designs.
The Palate Ruins are an interesting, beautiful and insightful piece of the history of the first people to settle in the cliff dwellings they created here.
The former living quarters of the farmer that found the area. Just imagine how he felt all alone at night with the ghosts of those who were there before.
Palatki makes you stop and reflect. The quiet of the location. The serenity - none of that noisy modern world intruding, the birds, and very quiet air, all come together to envelope you in a earlier civilization.
The red rock canyons became areas of intensive occupation with the construction of cliff dwellings. Honanki and Palatki are two of the largest and best preserved cliff dwellings in the Verde Valley
This just blew me away as we came around the path and here in front of us is this amazing, huge (must be at least 9-12 feet tall) petroglyph of a person with his or her arms upraised toward the sun or moon
Archaeologists agree the ruins and dwellings were built by the ancient Sinagua Indians who inhabited the Sedona and Verde Valley area from 500 to about 1425 AD. Many believe they mysteriously left the area due to prolonged drought or were driven away by enemy tribes.
On the cliff face above a broken wall, a pair of circular white rock art elements, though faded, are still visible. Perhaps the people who lived here painted these symbols to identify themselves to all who approached.