The Ute Mountain Tribal Park offers an in-depth experience not to be missed. Tribal members interpret tribal culture, pictographs, cliff dwellings, surface ruins, and artifacts. It has been selected by National Geographic Traveler as one of “80 World Destinations for Travel in the 21st Century,” one of only nine places in the United States to receive this special designation. The Park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres around a 25-mile stretch of the Mancos River, and is located in the Mesa Verde/Mancos Canyon area just outside the boundaries of the National Park.
Journey back in time to explore Ute Mountain Tribal Park through the unique lens of Native American tour guides. Spend time in the park as our guides interpret the history, pictographs, geological formations, petroglyphs, artifacts, and dwellings.
Tours begin at the Tribal Park Visitor Center and Museum, 20 miles south of Cortez, CO. Check-in time is 8:30 AM with departures at 9:00 AM.Reservations must be made in advance by calling (970) 565-9653.
Tours are guided by Ute Indians with a broad knowledge of Ute and Ancestral Puebloan cultures. The Ute Mountain Utes are the Weeminuche band of Utes, one of the seven original Ute bands that inhabited Colorado. The tours include Ute history and rock art, surface sites and cliff dwellings. The full day tour (which is highly recommended) visits four magnificent cliff dwellings and requires a three-mile walk on unpaved trails and scaling ladders. In order to protect the fragile resources, self-guided tours are not permitted.
Visit www.utemountaintribalpark.info or call -970-565-9653 for tour information.
Tip: Bring plenty of drinking water, food, insect repellant, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy hiking shoes.
Located 20 miles south of Cortez on Highway 491
Often referred to as “The Other Mesa Verde” the Ute Tribal Park contains spectacular cliff dwellings in a remote and “undisturbed” setting. This off-the-beaten track experience is led by Ute Indian guides who interpret the Ancestral Puebloan archaeology, Ancestral Puebloan and Ute rock art, and the more recent history of the Ute people in this area. The mystical feeling on this tour is that you are the first to walk on these ancient pathways and view these ancient sites.
Other Ute Mountain Ute ventures on the way to the Tribal Park include the Ute Mountain Casino Hotel and Resort. While in the park you’ll enjoy several cliff dwellings, including Eagle’s Nest, and climb several ladders. This experience provides a real appreciation for the Ancestral Puebloan way of life.
Distance from Cortez: 22 miles south of Cortez to the Visitor Center where you meet your Ute guide.
Day Trippin’ Time: Allow a full day. 1/2 day tours are available but do not go to the cliff dwellings.
Access: Car, highway and gravel roads (you may ride with the guide for an additional fee.) Hiking and ladder climbing. Tour fee.
Services: Limited, bring lunch and plenty of water. Wear layered clothing and comfortable walking/hiking shoes.
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