Have you heard of this place?
It’s at the courtesy of rancher and owner, Brantley Baird, an old cowboy and a character himself. He gives tours of a section of land down a canyon which is littered with Indian petroglyphs. But before you get there listen to the fabulous stories our host has to offer and the artifacts he has found, collected, and been given in his interesting pioneer museum. It’s like going into a western cowboy past, filled with stagecoaches, furnishings, cowboy hats, indian pots, and farm equipment. It’s a historic experience and interesting way to spend the day.
The ranch is located East of Winslow, West of St. Josephs City on a large strip of dirt and dust that is still a sometimes cattle ranch. Brantley Baird gives tours on request by appointment only.
The grounds house several bunkhouses for weddings, overnights, etc., in addition to the museum and the only remaining bunkhouse from the Hashknife Cowboys. The Hashknife Cowboy outfit were the cowboy who managed the cattle in northern AZ at the turn of the century. In the day, the government gave the land to the railroads who then sold it to ranchers. This last remaining bunkhouse is still intact and outfitted with original bunk beds, allowing one a glimpse in cowboy past.
It’s a fascinating tour given by a man meticulous about preserving the past, including the treasure trove of petroglyphs that grace his land and are frequented by University types documenting their findings.
Once the museum tour is done, it’s time to make the trek to the canyon. There Brant has put quite a bit of time, energy, and money making the decent into the canyon safe via railings and walk ways.
The petroglyphs after you make the decent are everywhere along the walls. There are pictographs of families, animals, and symbols. It’s a fascinating display.
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