Hikes & Excursions
Member-Only Hikes
One of the advantages of Membership is the ability to participate in guided hikes to archaeological sites. Watch this page for announcements of upcoming hikes. Most are free but a few have small fees to cover expenses.
Monday, June the 26th at 10:00am
Members Hike to Medicine Fort
Guided by Richard McGaugh
Limit of 12 participants
Join Richard McGaugh for a change of scenery and an outing in the pines! This will be an interesting and informative hike seeing and discussing one of the three cultures that lived around the Sierra Sin Agua. This culture is known by archeologists as the Cohonina. The walk will visit Medicine Valley, Medicine Cave and Medicine Fort, occupied before Sunset Crater erupted.
The visit to the unusual Cohonina site will be a mile with some rocky footing above the 7,000-foot elevation. We will meet at 10:00 AM at the entrance of Lockett Meadow Road. To get to Lockett Meadow Road, go North from Flagstaff 12 miles on US 89 and meet at FR 552 (Lockett Meadow Road) turnoff for carpooling. Sturdy shoes, sun protection, water and lunch or snacks are recommended. Since forest conditions and accessibility can change through the year this hike could be replaced by another hike in the vicinity.
The hike leader is Richard McGaugh who is from a fourth-generation Verde Valley family and has spent his time studying and exploring Central and Northern Arizona. Richard is a VVAC Docent and Volunteer. He is also a VIP Interpretative Ranger at Walnut Canyon National Monument and Wupatki/Sunset Crater National Monuments. Richard also serves as a Docent at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
The hike is exclusive to VVAC members. Advance registration is required. Please register here:
https://verdevalleyarchaeology.doubleknot.com/Event/2985748
All participants must agree to follow the VVAC Hiking Rules, click HERE to download.
Excursions
Summer Solstice Event
Located at The Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site at V-V Historic Ranch
Wednesday, June 21
Exclusive to VVAC Members
Registration is not required
Join us for a special Summer Solstice event with Ken Zoll, VVAC's Director Emeritus. Ken will conduct an in-person talk about this significant midsummer occurrence. Witness solar light effects appear on the petroglyph site to mark this important occasion. Though the Summer Solstice is observed on June the 21st, the solar light effect is also visible a few days prior to the actual Solstice.
Many thanks to our friends at the Forest Service for accommodating this special event for VVAC members!
Event Schedule
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Arrive by 11:30am to check-in for the 1/3rd mile walk to the site
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Ken Zoll's Talk at 12:00pm
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Solstice Effect to Appear at 12:25pm
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Gates Close at 4:00pm
Address
V Bar V Heritage Site
6750 Forest Service Road 618
Rimrock, Arizona 86335
This event is free, a donation to VVAC is kindly welcomed.
Donate here: https://www.verdevalleyarchaeology.org/donate
Palatki Heritage Site
Monday, July the 10th: 9:30am to 12:00pm
Limit of 14 Participants Registration Required
View spectacular rock art and behind-the-scenes highlights on this Palatki excursion! This is your opportunity to visit the Bear Alcove and the Agave Roasting Pit, two locations that are typically closed to the public. The tour also includes the Grotto area. Join Monica Buckle, VVAC's Executive Director and Ken Zoll, VVAC's Director Emeritus for a tour that is not to be missed. Ken Zoll is the author of Understanding the Rock Art of Sedona. Ken's work documenting Sedona and the Verde Valley's rock art is nothing short of inspiring!
The tour will require walking and long periods of standing. Please wear closed toed walking/hiking shoes, a sunhat, sunglasses, breathable clothing (it will be hot), walking stick (if needed), sunscreen and water/Gatorade. Please note, the average monthly temperature for Sedona in July is 94F. Palatki is a shady environment; however, you must be accustomed to walking in hot temperatures and climates.
Itinerary
9:30am: Meet at the Palatki Heritage Site (transportation is not provided).
Please allow ample driving time for your arrival to Palatki.
The tour starts promptly.
Address
10290 North Forest Service Road #795
Sedona, AZ 86336
This excursion is free, a donation to VVAC is kindly welcomed.
Donate here: https://www.verdevalleyarchaeology.org/donate
Exclusive to VVAC members. Advance registration is required.
Please register here:
Palatki Heritage Site
Monday, July the 10th: 9:30am to 12:00pm
Limit of 14 Participants Registration Required
View spectacular rock art and behind-the-scenes highlights on this Palatki excursion! This is your opportunity to visit the Bear Alcove and the Agave Roasting Pit, two locations that are typically closed to the public. The tour also includes the Grotto area. Join Monica Buckle, VVAC's Executive Director and Ken Zoll, VVAC's Director Emeritus for a tour that is not to be missed. Ken Zoll is the author of Understanding the Rock Art of Sedona. Ken's work documenting Sedona and the Verde Valley's rock art is nothing short of inspiring!
The tour will require walking and long periods of standing. Please wear closed toed walking/hiking shoes, a sunhat, sunglasses, breathable clothing (it will be hot), walking stick (if needed), sunscreen and water/Gatorade. Please note, the average monthly temperature for Sedona in July is 94F. Palatki is a shady environment; however, you must be accustomed to walking in hot temperatures and climates.
Itinerary
9:30am: Meet at the Palatki Heritage Site (transportation is not provided).
Please allow ample driving time for your arrival to Palatki.
The tour starts promptly.
Address
10290 North Forest Service Road #795
Sedona, AZ 86336
This excursion is free, a donation to VVAC is kindly welcomed.
Donate here: https://www.verdevalleyarchaeology.org/donate
Exclusive to VVAC members. Advance registration is required.
Please register here: