Monarch Cave
On Saturday I visited Monarch Cave. I got up before sunset (don't want to show up late for work!) and the hike was a quick one. However, I found that this particular alcove gets strong morning sun. I feel that for my photos it is best to work in shade or clouds so I took a couple shots then hiked back. I visited again in the afternoon and found the conditions much better. This ruin has a round structure that is built right on a steep slickrock falloff. 50 feet below the structure is a pool that seems to have water year round. This must have been a great location for the ancients. Well defended at the end of a box canyon, it is impossible to approach from above due to a huge dropoff, and access from below can be carefully controlled. The round tower has a number of loopholes where the occupants could spy down canyon to watch for anyone approaching.