Sign near Abiqui, New Mexico

[Shortstack]

SWR:
Thanks for that link. I looked at dozens of the photos and yep, there certainly are smooth conetops and cones that look chipped into shape. But, I didn't see ANY with triangles, hearts, etc. on them. I DID see that one of the cave opening shaped like the profile of an old man, but surely that was not man made. (heh, heh, heh) I started to post a copy here, but that would have been getting sidetracked.
I have the feeling that sometimes Springfield plants a little test photo to see who is really LOOKING and who just glances. Anyway, I lightened up that shadow area and dang if there isn't another triangle shape (or a basic angle) hiding there. Could that be a confirmation mark (#3 varifying #2) that is talked about by most trail hunters? How about that possible heart at #5 and those black marks at #4? I tagged #1 because it kinda, sorta has the outline of an owl.
Now really, SWR. Don't these things bear closer investigation? I think maybe Springfield already HAS.

EDIT: Please note that #2 is a flat, triangular shape area and #3 is a RAISED line forming the angular / triangular shape.

 

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[Springfield]

.....Do you honestly believe that humans/Spanish/Jesuits actually traversed those hoodoos and altered them? Isn't that a bit of a stretch?

For the record, IMO, these formations are nothing more than naturally eroded layers of volcanic tuffs and pumice rocks. In no way were they altered by the hand of man. I can't believe anyone could seriously believe otherwise unless they're goofing on the readers.

 

[Shortstack]

Springfield and SWR:
Yes. I do believe that at least these 2 formations were modified by the hand of man in the few ways I've tagged. Those 2 angular / triangular figures (#2 and #3) are the main ones I think are artificial. The other things I tagged are "iffy", I'll admit, but #2 & #3 are not. I've repeatedly read comments by the experienced trail searchers that the Spanish liked to use natural formations that closely resembled "something" and modify them slightly with confirmation marks to show the followers that a particular natural looking shape was indeed being used as a code clue. Those 2 angle / triangular shapes were done in 2 different techniques; one is a solid, raised, FLAT surface on a curved surface and that other piece is carved as an excised line work. Nature carved these basic formations with curvature and conical shapes. Some man carved those flat, angular shapes onto the curved side of that one formation.
If the number of these conical formations are pretty large and cover a large area, why wouldn't trail markers use basic symbols to lead the followers through this area or even hide some important item(s) within this "forest" of oddities.

 

[Shortstack]

Springfield and SWR:
Yes. I do believe that at least these 2 formations were modified by the hand of man in the few ways I've tagged. Those 2 angular / triangular figures (#2 and #3) are the main ones I think are artificial. The other things I tagged are "iffy", I'll admit, but #2 & #3 are not. I've repeatedly read comments by the experienced trail searchers that the Spanish liked to use natural formations that closely resembled "something" and modify them slightly with confirmation marks to show the followers that a particular natural looking shape was indeed being used as a code clue. Those 2 angle / triangular shapes were done in 2 different techniques; one is a solid, raised, FLAT surface on a curved surface and that other piece is carved as an excised line work. Nature carved these basic formations with curvature and conical shapes. Some man carved those flat, angular shapes onto the curved side of that one formation.
If the number of these conical formations are pretty large and cover a large area, why wouldn't trail markers use basic symbols to lead the followers through this area or even hide some important item(s) within this "forest" of oddities.

I'm glad that we can have a civil disagreement.

Take care

Same here.

 

[Sheldon J]

Supposedly this was where the movie "Cowboys and Aliens" was filmed. If I lived closer
I would be over there checking it out. I am on the Left Coast.
Rich

Ghost ranch and silver creek according to the credits at the end, check out the movie trailer at the 7 second mark....
they did not use that clip during the movie....

http://www.cowboysandaliensmovie.com/#/video

 

[desertmoons]

Thanks Sheldon!