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Range Creek has only been opened up to the public in the last few years. A permit is needed to get into the area, and then it is limited to 1 day only. And then you are only allowed to walk in. The distance between the ruins we seen and the first locked gate is almost 10 miles. The area is protected by an armed guard to prevent looting. After taking the tour I would recommend that this is the only way to see Range Creek right now. The road in is very steep and also very rough, and its worth it to not put the wear and tear on your own vehicle. The tour showed us some things, but not a lot of things. I really enjoyed the tour. Maybe in a few years they will put in a campground and then improve the road, until then, we seen quite a bit for the time we had. What to see This is a string of 1,000-year-old villages with homes, granaries and even burial grounds. Also there are quite a few pictographs and petroglyphs. Some of the pictographs were in a bright yellow color. Range Creek hasn't been excavated yet, so there is still quite a few tools and items laying around. The pithouses have filled in with dirt over the years from the weather. Its against the law and to pick up and keep any of the items found. Which is the reason this place has been closed for over 60 years. History In the early 1940's a young cowboy, Waldo Wilcox found a perfectly weaved basket. After exploring around a bit he discovered a place that he felt needed to be protected and preserved from the public. For the next 60 years he told very few people what he had found. Waldo Wilcox kept control of the researchers with whom he did allow to view the site. In 2004, he sold his property to the government to take over what he had started. The site at the time was intact. It had never been looted or vandalized. He asked the government to continue to protect the 4,000 acre site. Around 300 Fremont Indians once lived and thrived in the canyon. Then 800 years ago they walked away and left all their food, homes and belongings behind. Wildlife There are quite a bit of wildlife in Range Creek Canyon. Elk, mule deer, and Pronghorn antelope enjoy grazing the hayfields. Rabbits, fox, marmot, ravens, magpies, coyote, badger, and lizards can also be found. Even an Eagle has been spotted high over the canyon walls. Black bears have also been known to be a problem. And even an occasional rattlesnake has been seen wandering around the valley. Services There isn't any services nearby, so prepare for any emergency before you come. There is a small campground located outside the gate, but it is only for tents. A pit toilet is also located there. A security guard can also be found somewhere in the canyon. Remember Leave No Trace! The Native American rock art can be ruined if they are touched. Please don't touch, trace, chalk, or wet the panels since this can destroy the artifacts. Please do not pick up or removed any items either. The panels have been here for thousands of years, please help them remain here for thousands more.
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