Continuing on the path, you will reach a steep stairway leading down to the creek approximately 21 meters (69 feet) below. Please use extra caution when this area is damp. Wet limestone is very slippery! If your visit is at the peak of the rainy season -- July through November -- this walk may be along a stream. The water follows the old logging road down to join the perennial El Pilar Creek.

"The small quarry site you see located along the rock ridge across the stairs was an important source of raw material for the settlers. Like the ancient Maya the more recent settlers at El Pilar capitalized on this resource. The ancient Maya utilized the limestone rocks to build their massive temples, stairways and average homes. These 'white gold' deposits have been found nearby Maya settlements, and are believed to have been transported by the Maya on their backs.

 Limestone Quarry

The recent settlers used the limestone for the construction of homes and fire hearths. The limestone walls of Don Carmen's home provided for durable and sturdy protection, as well as a cozy, warm environment from the cold, tropical climate. Doña Sofia and Doña Betty would cook on the fire hearth...annually Don Carmen cleared big patches of forest the size of five football fields, and left behind large amounts of dead wood. Can you realize now, why there aren't too many huge trees around? Many trees of that generation went up in smoke!" -- EP Community Creek Trail Guide