The lost view from False Kiva
The False Kiva is located in the ‘Island in the Sky’ district of Canyonlands National park and is an actual archaeological site dating back to 1200 A.D. Believed to be built by ancient Native American tribes, historians are just not sure if this was a kiva, hence the name. It still carries significance with the Native American tribes.
False Kiva…a place where *Time* *Stood* *Still*!
You will not find this on any map or see this advertised in any official communication, but, if you walk up and ask a park ranger, they are supposed to provide you exact directions.
My first time here
Mine was a similar experience. I have had this on my bucket list for quite a few years. Finally, in December of 2013, I set out on a solo photography trip to Arches, Canyonlands & Capitol Reef & decided to do this hike. I walked up to the Park Ranger at the ‘Island in the Sky’ Visitor Center and nervously asked about the False Kiva. She pulled out a trail landmark picture book calmly, walked through it, and put it right back & then went on to list out the do’s and don’ts to ensure the fragile site is not damaged.
Most of the hike was uneventful. Except for the last part where you go down rocky terrain, and make a steep uphill climb to an unbelievably perched alcove! This part just looked super scary – treacherous hardly a foot trail with a >100 foot fall off; but it is actually much more safe than it looks.
You then get to this unbelievable place – tranquil, and a view that stretches out to hundreds of miles. I filled out the guestbook, and then read an attached brochure on etiquette. And the first thing listed is not to give away the location irresponsibly and to let others discover the thrill the same way.
I had this whole place to myself until last light after which I made my way back in darkness and silence; the vista etched in my memory forever!!
And yet again
The False Kiva had become a special place in my life in 2015. Pankaja and I were still dating when I proposed to her at this place.
Ingredients that went into my proposal:
- Lure her into the allure of the False Kiva hike, and the appeal of doing it in winter (red rocks & white snow, that ought to perk up her interest).
- Convince her into thinking we will be staying back after sunset to shoot star trails late into the night.
- Wait till its just the both of us, get down on one knee and pop the question.
The photo is taken from the sunset on that day.
Not anymore
Sadly, the ‘False Kiva’ is no longer open to anyone. It was closed on July 2018 by the National park Service due to vandalism, and is pending further review. While the hike itself is not closed, you cannot go up to the incredible alcove with a view that stretches on forever. In other words, this picture is no longer possible.