:Draft:Three Roof Ruin

{{AFC submission|d|nn|u=Tydowns20|ns=118|decliner=S0091|declinets=20250409201456|reason2=adv|ts=20250409192402}}

{{AFC comment|1=No sources and reads like a marketing piece. S0091 (talk) 20:14, 9 April 2025 (UTC)}}

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Three Roof Ruin is one of the most spectacular Ancestral Puebloan sites in Lake Powell country. Located on the Escalante arm of Lake Powell, it sits 11 miles up from the confluence with the lake on the left side, just beyond the mouth of Willow Creek Canyon.

= Location and Access =

Access to the site depends on Lake Powell's water level. When water levels are low (around 3600 feet), access is difficult and the Park Service may temporarily close the site. During higher water levels, visitors can boat directly to the cliff edge and follow a designated trail up to the [https://wayneswords.net/threads/three-roof-ruin-and-antelope-canyon.6385/#:~:text=Right%20now%20with%20the%20water,path%20up%20to%20the%20ruin%2E ruin].

= Description and Historical Significance =

The site offers stunning views over the Escalante canyon. The location was likely chosen by its ancient builders not just for its vantage point, but also for its proximity to fertile land. The canyon floor would have been ideal for agriculture, with the nearby Escalante River providing water for crops such as squash, beans, and melons.

= Architecture =

The multiple-room cliff dwelling has been restored to give visitors a sense of how it appeared when inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloan people. The structure demonstrates the sophisticated building techniques used by ancient inhabitants of the region.

= Preservation Guidelines =

Visitors are reminded that they are guests in a historical dwelling. All archaeological sites within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are protected by law. The following guidelines must be observed:

All artifacts such as arrowheads and pottery shards must remain undisturbed
Petroglyphs and pictographs must not be damaged
Adding graffiti is a criminal offense punishable by heavy fines and/or jail time
Follow the "Leave No Trace" principle - take only pictures and leave only footprints

= Cultural Significance =

Three Roof Ruin stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Ancestral Puebloan people who once inhabited the region. Its preservation allows modern visitors to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the American Southwest while enjoying one of Lake Powell's most impressive archaeological sites.