Heritage Tourism in Southwest Colorado: Exploring the Four Corners Area

Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners area is a haven for heritage tourism, archaeology, and cultural anthropology! In fact, this area of the United States boasts one of the highest concentrations of archaeological sites in the entire world! It may look like a desert to modern travelers, but Southwest Colorado has been inhabited for thousands of years. The ancestral heritage of indigenous societies is incredibly important to its legacy. If you are planning a trip to Cortez, Colorado, there are so many wonderful and inspiring ways to immerse yourself in this history. From visiting Mesa Verde National Park to mountain biking through Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, the experiences are abundant!

Discovering Historical Sites

One of the best ways to visit historical sites is to book a guided tour. Guides provide essential and often personal insights about the spaces you're visiting. They help ensure protection for both the sites and the native flora and fauna. Ranger-led tours at Mesa Verde National Park take guests directly into some of the most iconic locations. Meanwhile, the Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance leads guests to lesser-known areas in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Cortez Tours even offers a sunrise tour to Hawkins Pueblo in Cortez, Colorado.

If you choose to visit any of the sites mentioned below on your own, please visit with respect. These ancient places hold immense value to modern indigenous societies. It's important to remember you are not just visiting an archaeological site, but someone's great-great-great-grandparents' home. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when visiting historical sites in the Southwest:

1. Never enter a site on your own. Stay a respectful distance to preserve these fragile places. Do not send pets, drones, or other human accessories into a site.

   
   

2. Follow all directions from interpretive signs or park rangers.

   
   

3. If you find an artifact (pottery sherd, arrowhead, etc.), leave it where you found it.

   
   

4. Protect the natural world. Stay on the trail. If the trail is muddy, walk directly through the mud in the center of the trail. The ecosystem of southwest Colorado is sensitive and can be easily damaged by humans.

   
   

There is a beautiful video illustrating how Pueblo people are connected to these sites and the importance of visiting with respect at: Visit with Respect.

A Daybreak Experience

Waking up early allows you to experience the magic of a Colorado sunrise! For thousands of years, people have greeted the sun in Southwest Colorado to start their day. It's truly magical to witness a sunrise in this setting, feeling connected to the land and the people who came before us. Book a tour at Cortez Tours.

Mesa Verde National Park Tours

The park rangers at Mesa Verde National Park lead tours into some of the most iconic sites in the park from May through October. This unique experience allows you to get up close to history in a safe and respectful manner. To book a tour, visit: Mesa Verde Tours.

Montezuma Heritage Museum

This museum, with an entry fee of only $5, is a must-stop on your journey through Southwest Colorado. It pays homage to the agricultural societies of the area and highlights the life of early settlers in the Montezuma Valley. To learn more, visit: Montezuma Museum.

Cultural Experiences at the Cortez Cultural Center

The Cortez Cultural Center features Native dancers most nights from June through August. Located in downtown Cortez, the outdoor amphitheater is a great space to learn about culture and support local artists. You can find more information about the dances at: Cortez Cultural Center Native Dances.

Exploring the Far View Sites

The Far View Sites, located near the better-known Chapin Mesa sites, are some of the oldest and most densely populated areas in the park. The impressive size and meticulous masonry of these sites deserve your attention! To learn more about the Far View Sites, visit: Far View Sites.

Petroglyph Point Trail is located near the museum at the top of Mesa Verde. This 2.4-mile loop trail takes visitors through the rugged terrain of sagebrush and steep canyon cliffs to see incredible petroglyph panels. While the trail is not suitable for everyone, it can be a rewarding adventure for the right visitor. Check it out at: Petroglyph Point Trail.

Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum

The Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum is the most comprehensive resource on Puebloan history. If you're interested in heritage tourism and Southwest archaeology, this is a must-visit. With interactive exhibits connecting ancient and modern ways of life, a visit here fosters a better understanding and respect for the ancestors of this land. Don’t forget to explore the paved interpretive trail next to the museum, which takes visitors to two Puebloan sites related to the Dolores Archaeology Project. To learn more, visit: Canyons of the Ancients.

Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument shares the same heritage and Puebloan culture found in Canyons of the Ancients. The visitor center houses an excellent museum and interpretive materials. The 2-mile loop trail provides beautiful views and insights into this ancient landscape. Discover more at: Hovenweep National Monument.

Mountain Biking in Sand Canyon

Visiting ancient sites doesn't always have to be done by foot. The Sand Canyon trail system features nearly 20 miles of designated mountain biking trails. It’s a fantastic way to explore more ground, see ancient sites, and get some exercise! Learn more about Sand Canyon & Rock Creek Trails at: Sand Canyon Trails.

Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance

Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance (SCCA) is the official support group for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Beyond developing educational programming, SCCA leads guided tours to many archaeological sites. One of their favorite tours includes Lowry Pueblo. You can book your tour here: SCCA Tours.

Galloping Goose Historical Society

This quaint museum in Dolores, Colorado, is a must-see for anyone fascinated by the history of the American West! Housed in a beautifully designed replica of the RGS Dolores Depot, the museum features the original Goose No. 5, a small engine from the 1930s. It's staffed by passionate volunteers who are eager to share the railway's history that once connected the remote towns of Southwest Colorado. To learn more about the museum and historical society, visit: Galloping Goose Historical Society.

Embrace the rich heritage of Southwest Colorado and make memories that will last a lifetime!