Welcome to one of the many Anasazi ruin sites throughout San Juan county. Butler Wash Ruins is one of the more developed sites with a trail, overlook and interpretative signs. It's a great way to get introduced to this ancient culture. The Anasazi lived in these cliff dwellings for about 100 years, 1200-1300 A.D.
The cache itself is not far from the parking area. To see the ruins follow the well used trail. When you reach the area that is solid rock just before the overlook follow the permanent (concrete and rock) cairns. It's amazing to think that this current desert environment was once wet enough to support growing crops. The wash is still much greener than its surrounding area. The walk from the cache to the overlook shows this mind boggling change in plant life.
In order to preserve the ruins you cannot hike among them. The overlook still allows you a pretty good view of what remains of the dwellings as this picture shows.
If you would like to learn more about the Anasazi visit the Edge of the Cedars Museum In Blanding or check out the Anasazi Museum in Garfield County.
For the intrepid cacher, a short hike past the ruins will lead you to another, older cache. It's not quite as ancient as the Anaszi, but still worth checking out.