Wilderness Journeys &

 Pagosa Rafting Outfitters

[Home]
[Up]

Indian Cliff Dwelling Tour

Ancient Pueblo Indian Ruins on the Mountain Ute Indian Reservation

 

  • 2 guides: Mountain Ute Indian – specializing in past and present Indian cultures and archaeology.
  • Our historian guide – specializing in ancient and recent Indian lore, plus pioneer and mining history.
  • 10 hour tour: departs at 7:45am and returns by 6pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and other days by arrangement.
  • Age 5 and up in good health: must be able to climb 20 ft. ladder and walk 3 miles at a leisurely pace on rocky, ungroomed Cliffside trails.

If you enjoy exploring ancient civilizations in remote places, and experiencing other cultures, you’ll love this mini expedition to the Mountain Ute Indian Reservation

The Ute Mountain Tribal Park (surrounding Mesa Verde National Park) has only recently been opened for tours of it’s anasazi cliff dwellings. We travel via Durango past the rugged LaPlata Mountains up onto the high green Mesa Verde Plateau where, entering the Reservation, we meet our Tribal Park guide. Here we begin our travel back in time 1,000 years or so we gaze in awe at the giant cliff villages from Inspiration Point. The amazing story of the mysterious Anasazi gradually unfolds as we hike along the canyon rim listening to our tribal guide.

 You will have a picnic lunch on the canyon rim, after which you’ll be outfitted with canteens and a snack for the trail. We’ll descend heavy, wooden ladders halfway into the canyon to reach the old Indian trail where we’ll follow our guides along a narrow rocky path to visit four of the ancient villages, all situated within giant shelter caves.

An air of mystery prevails as we climb through the ruins, stepping carefully over pottery shards, tiny corncobs, bone and stone tools, remnants of sandals, rope and other ancient relics. Your naturalist guide will explain how our Indian and pioneer ancestors made food and medicine from the wildflowers, shrubs and trees of the canyon.

Our pace will be leisurely. We’ll stop for a break in one of the villages. Here, the quite of the canyon will refresh your soul as we take a moment of silence to listen to the wind rustling through the trees.

Our final and most spectacular village requires a 30 foot ladder and a careful creep along a narrow ledge for a close up view. It’s called Eagle’s nest for a good reason! Don’t be surprised if a large black raven or a red tailed hawk swoops within arms’ reach for a closer look at you while you are up there. Those who prefer not to climb this ladder may view the village from the path below and take photos of the brave ones!

You will leave the canyons with a renewed zest for life and a new appreciation for America’s Indian heritage past and present. Join us for a fantastic journey back in time!

  • Lunch provided for an additional cost (or pack your own)
  • Included: Guides, transportation, beverages, snacks, canteens, park entry fees.

For more information or reservations call (970)731-4081.