Indian Mesa

While Indian Mesa certainly appears picturesque and uniquely western from afar, it is not until one climbs it that it is revealed what makes it special. Hidden atop are the remains of sixteen rooms built by the ancient Hohokam people between AD 800 and 1150. Their fortified position atop a high hill contrasts with the more well-known urban settlements located in the Sonoran lowlands, for instance, Casa Grande.

It is unknown what exactly drove these people to live in such a defensive position, but attackers must have presumably been a serious problem at the time. This is not to say that the people here were isolated, as shells from Mexico have been found here. Likewise, it is also not known why the mesa was abandoned, but it is believed that the Hohokam's descendants survive to this day as the O'odham peoples.

Besides admiring the ruins, be sure to check out the impressive view of the surrounding mountains and Lake Pleasant. It is hard to believe that just beyond is the vast metropolis of Phoenix!