This photo shows the power of nature and the longevity of Pueblo Bonita (abandoned around 1300). The sandstone face of the cliff behind Pueblo Bonita threatened the pueblo for many centuries, finally breaking off about 100 years ago, burying the pueblo in debris. The inhabitants of this pueblo attempted to appease the gods by placing special sticks around the sandstone and building a flagstone terrace to support the bottom portion of the cliff. This must have worked - the sandstone didn't break off until long after the pueblo had been abandoned! When the wall broke off, however, it crushed several of the walls. This photo shows the main, massive block of sandstone that sheered off the cliff. Chaco Culture National Park, NM

Back