alibates flint quarries national monument

Most of us associate the word "quarry" with a large excavations of rock perhaps have even swam in one. The Alibates quarries are not like that at all. They shallow pits and small excavations where pieces of rock(flint) have been removed from a relatively thin crust that covers the tops of some low hills outside of Amarillo Texas. The flint from these "quarries" is found at sites all over the country. It is unique in its wonderful coloration's and is found nowhere else. Alibates filnt tools found at Blackwater Draw N.M. date to 13,000 BP! The area itself was only inhabited from about A.D. 1150 to 1450. Do some preliminary research on the site before you go! For without knowledge you might not sense the spirits of the nomadic people who had come here for thousands of years before you in their quest come for the prized flint.

For those interested in ancient history, this is an excellent place to visit. The tours are Ranger led, and you must call to reserve your place on the tour. There are at least three different tours that I'm aware of through the year, with the flint quarry the best known. The walk to the quarry includes a short climb to the top of the mesa; and boots, or very sturdy soled shoes, are advisable as the flint is very sharp. The Rangers are all friendly, and knowledgeable.During the month of Oct, there are a limited number of tours to the Antelope People ruins. This is a good follow-up to the quarry trip.A third trip starts in McBride Canyon and follows one of the inlets to Lake Meredith.This area is extremely hot, with lots of bugs, in the summer - so plan your trips accordingly. Our visits have always been from Sept on, so heat wasn't an issue. The only problem we have encountered is hunting season. This hasn't been an issue on the Ranger trips, rather when we have gone back to the areas that are open to the public to hike, or ride our bikes. Though we were supposedly in non-hunting areas, the hunters are just across the fence. We decided to leave, for safety-sake.

Very out of the way - and definitely isolated - this park was small but interesting. My children enjoyed the video and the park ranger was extremely helpful! It was way too hot to hike any of the trails when we went in August - but I would love to try again in cooler weather to see what is out there.

e area around the quarries is magnificent. Once you arrive at the Rangers station the experience becomes even more unreal. Take the hour walking trip to the quarries and discover how the ancients use the land and how the lake is slowly gong away. Look and feel the flint all around you and discover how it was used by the people for tools and trade. The park rangers are very knowledgeable and entertaining. Be sure to bring a hat, comfortable hiking shoes and WATER. It is a primitive trail and no water is to be had while there. Although the trail is well marked, it is also primitive and uneven in places. Look hard and you'll see wildlife in its natural habitat.

Like the other reviewers have said, you do need a reservation to tour the quarry areas. It is a free tour but they only go when the temp is below 95 degrees. I would suggest going on the 10 am tour. I went on the 10 am tour and learned a lot about the history of the flint and people of the time. We also saw 2 mule deer, several collared lizards and 1 horned toad. The flint is very beautiful in that it resembles petrified wood with its varying colors. There are a couple of side roads you can drive to see a different area of the park. I believe these are gravel though and may not be suitable for a 2 wheel drive vehicle.

Nice little National Monument well off the beaten path. The volunteers there were very knowledgeable and we had a nice 1-hour walk on a well maintained path. The visitors center is small but very well done with lots of information about the flint, the fauna and the flora of the area. There are also a few picnic tables there were we had a nice picnic lunch. One of the volunteers is a flint knapper and he gave us a demonstration and a piece of flint he had knapped. Note that you must call ahead and book the tour of the quarry.

This monument protects an area where Flint was quarried about 11,000 years ago. You can only see the monument on a 2 hour guided hike, which includes a 10 minute film at the visitor's center. I learned a lot from the ranger, to include plant and wildlife, weather, and history of the area. The hike is actually only about a mile. After the tour you can go back to the visitor's center and get a free piece of Alibate rock. This is a nice place to visit.

The Alibates Flint Quarries can only be toured with a guide. Call first to make sure there is a guide available. While there is not a lot to see, the story of what you see is amazing. That is one reason you need a guide. (The other reason is to keep you from taking anything.)These quarries were mined by ancient native Americans, who produced and traded "bifaces" of multicolored flint. By finding tools made of this distinctive flint, researchers have been able to study the trading patterns of ancient Americans. You may get to see a demonstration of flint arrowheads being made.