House on Fire

I had heard and read several blog posts about this ruin called “House on Fire” for several years, however we never had gotten into the Cedar Mesa area.  While visiting the South Eastern part of Utah, it was high on my list of attractions this time.  If you happen to be in the Cedar Mesa area, Mule Canyon to be exact then you will not want to miss this ruin. 

  

Mule Canyon dwellings were built and occupied by the Anasazi Indians and had outstanding scenery around them.  You have already seen some of the surrounding scenery here and here, but this was our first ruin to visit.  The understanding is these ruins are over eight hundred years old; have never been excavated or restored in any fashion.  What a precious treasure to get to visit these ruins in their nature environment without supervision, so please cherish them with care while viewing them. They are sacred sites and it is a privilege and honor for us to get to enjoy them – please show respect!  Take photos and leave no trace…only footprints in the dirt.

House on Fire - actual photo, not enhanced

Petroglyph: not sure of their authenticity

The hike to House on Fire is about 1.5 miles (one way) with a few dips to cross the wash and back up the other side, however it’s a pretty easy trail.  If you would like to continue down the trail approximately another 2.5 miles (one way) there are seven other ruins. 

Blooms along the trail

Photo Op…We saw no glorious illusion during our time there (arrived around 9:30 and left around 11:30 a.m.), however after viewing the shoots on the computer the camera caught more dramatic affects then we saw visually.  Maybe in the spring or summer time you might see the more dramatic affects visually, but not in the fall when we visited.

Directions:  The trailhead for House on Fire is located on Co. Rd 263 which is about halfway between Blanding, UT and Natural Bridges N. M. near mile marker 102 on the north side of the highway.  If you’re coming from the west it’s very easy to find- you will see a sign for ‘Mule Canyon Ruins‘- this is NOT where House on Fire is located, this is a developed site with a kiva with interpretive signing, paved parking lot, and a pit toilet.  As soon as you pass this, the turn for House on Fire will be your next left.  If you’re coming from the east, it’s the next right after mile marker 102.

Turn north onto 263 continue down the road approximately .2 miles and you will see a small turnout for parking on the right-hand side and the trailhead marker on the left.  At the trailhead and you will see a kiosk- this is where you can pay for your backcountry permit to hike to House on Fire.  Backcountry permit fees (as of 4/2012) are $2/person, or if you will be spending some time hiking in the area, you can also purchase a week permit for $5/person. (Please visit the Monticello BLM Cedar Mesa Backcountry Permits page for updated information)

10/16/14 ~D

Natural Bridges National Monument

Before heading to see the natural bridges, we decided to explore the surrounding area for other camping options and Indian ruins – House on Fire in particular.  We were staying in Combs Wash BLM area, however was told further up the road where other nice areas – perhaps even have internet or phone service.  Unfortunately we found either, but we did enjoy driving some of the back country.  This was a new experience for Jerry’s oldest brother & sister-in-law; while those two where uncertain of the capability of our jeep, Jerry & I enjoying showing them our thrill of challenging road conditions.   

Perspective view from inside jeep

Few rocks

Road was washed out; no getting over that!

We never like to go back the same as we came, so we found an alternative way out.  Shhh...don't tell anyone - LOL

So now that everyone survived this adventure, we decided we would take on a little easier one and head to see the bridges.  Natural Bridges sits high on Cedar Mesa, some 6,500 feet above sea level.  Intermittent streams have cut two deep canyons and three massive bridges in sandstone formed from what was once the shore of an ancient sea.  At each of the bridges, trails descend into the canyons from the loop paved road.  A longer hiking trail meanders along the canyon bottoms through oak and cottonwood groves, connecting the three bridges – about an 8.5 mile loop.  If time permitted and are healthy the hike would be the best way to capture the sites. 

Sipapu Bridge

Kachina Bridge

Owachomo Bridge

Our day did not end without enjoying and learning about Horsecollar Ruin; located within the park on the edge of White Canyon.  It received its name by the uniquely shaped doors on the two granaries.

Horsecollar: Two circles on right

By the end of the scenic paved nine mile loop; we had had enough and was running on fumes.  We didn’t expect to be gone all day, so neither of us ladies packed snacks and was striving.  With that said; the closes place to grab food or even snack is 35 miles in Blanding, UT…thank goodness we didn’t have to drive that far.

Few other views we enjoyed through-out the day...

Weathered tree

Bright flowers

Combs Wash Canyon

Campfire w/ Buck & Nell

10/14/14 ~D