First Ruin overview
First Ruin
Visitors to First Ruin can expect to see well-preserved ruins of a small village that was inhabited between 1200 and 1300 AD. The village was built on a sandstone ledge and features several rooms, kivas, and a central plaza. The site also includes a unique feature known as the "dancing bear," a rock formation that resembles a bear standing on its hind legs.
One of the best reasons to visit First Ruin is to learn about the lives and customs of the Ancestral Puebloans. Visitors can explore the ruins and imagine what life was like for these ancient people. The site also provides an opportunity to see the unique sandstone formations and canyons that make Canyon de Chelly National Monument a must-visit destination.
Visitors should note that access to First Ruin is restricted to guided tours led by Navajo guides. These guides are knowledgeable about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans and can provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the significance of the site.
Overall, First Ruin is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, archaeology, and the natural beauty of Arizona's national parks. With its well-preserved ruins, unique rock formations, and knowledgeable guides, First Ruin is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, campgrounds, fishing spots, and other landmarks so a quick visit can grow into a full day.
Responsible visitation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site (BLM, NPS, state agency, or private owner) for access rules, permits, and seasonal closures before driving out.
- Stay on trail
- Many points of interest sit in fragile ecosystems. Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and give nesting birds and denning mammals plenty of space.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you. Remote sites often have no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, fossils, or artifacts. Federal law protects cultural and natural resources on public land.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save First Ruin as a favorite, set a weather threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About First Ruin
What is First Ruin?
A point of interest in Arizona tracked by Snoflo -- typically a scenic landmark, named summit, monument, or viewpoint.
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no public feeds.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get there?
Tap Directions in the hero above for Google Maps driving directions, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the spot.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this POI, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other points of interest near here
Snoflo-tracked landmarks within driving distance of First Ruin.