Shelters of the Southwest

The Southwest desert is full of shelters — rock alcoves and natural overhangs that have served as refuge for both animals and humans across thousands of years. Exploring these features on ridgewalks and canyon descents, you begin to see the desert not just as wild terrain but as a landscape of deep human history. These shelters range from simple overhangs to decorated alcoves with significant archaeological features.

Conservation of these sites is critical. Every visit must be made with care — no touching of walls, surfaces, or any artifacts. These places belong to the past and the future, not to us.