Re: Toltec mysteries

It is easy to see why this area had such abundant use by natives. During the altithermal period the temperatures were hotter than they are today. This is when the great pluvial lakes of the desert dried up and the unbearable heat and lack of water drove native peoples into the hills for water, food, and shelter.

The Cottonwood Spring area, within the ACEC, was home to at least three permanent habitation sites, and many more may have existed nearby. While the tribes and bands throughout much of the desert areas did not have the luxury of permanent habitation, the Juniper Flats area provided 80% of all food needs within 5 miles of the permanent sites. Thus, these groups could live there year-round and send parties up the mountains for the fall harvests of pine and pinon nuts.

Studying the former inhabitants of this area was a great project, and I hope to do more of that in the future as soon as time allows. Meanwhile, I agree that the spirits should not be disturbed!