Monarch Cave Ruins Lower Butler Wash

Our fourth hike along the Lower Butler Wash in Bears Ears National Monument was to Monarch Cave Ruins. 1.6 mile round trip with 160 ft of gain.
This was a pleasant walk with trees and shade.









We saw this beautiful lizard along the trail.

Trail nearing Monarch Cave














We can see the ruins up in the far end of the alcove

There is a lot to see in the alcove before reaching the ruins: petroglyphs,

moki steps,

















 pictographs,

grinding holes,

grinding stones and pottery shards

approaching Monarch Cave 

The ledge to Monarch Cave is very narrow

The approach to Monarch Cave seemed easier going in than out.

Monarch Cave Ruins

View from the back of Monarch Cave

there is a pond below Monarch Cave












grinding stone, corn cobs and pottery shards inside the cave

View of Monarch Cave Ruins from below













another look at Monarch Cave Ruins as we hiked out