8 Old Ruins to Explore in Montezuma County
Checkout places to visit in Montezuma County
Montezuma CountyMontezuma County in southwestern Colorado is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the state. From the snow-capped peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the red rocks of Mesa Verde National Park, there is no shortage of natural beauty to explore. Not to mention, the county is also home to a wealth of history and culture. A visit to Montezuma County is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Popular Activities And Trips in Montezuma County
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Old Ruins to Explore in Montezuma County
Canyons of the Ancients National MonumentCanyons of the Ancients National Monument is located in Montezuma County, Colorado. The monument consists of canyons, mesas, and other natural features carved by the wind and rain over millions of years. The area is home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as a rich Native American history. archaeological sites have been found that date back more than 10,000 years. Visitors to the monument can enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, and birdwatching.
Cliff PalaceCliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in North America. The structure built by the Ancestral Puebloans is located in Mesa Verde National Park in their former homeland region. The cliff dwelling was constructed over a period of centuries, starting around 1200 AD and continuing until the late 1300s. It is thought to have been home to as many as 100 people at its peak. Cliff Palace was rediscovered by American settlers in 1888 and has been open to visitors since 1906.
Crow Canyon Archaeological CenterThe Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is dedicated to understanding and protecting the heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The center is located, on the site of a former Anasazi village. Today, the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is open to the public and offers a variety of educational programs and tours. The center also conducts research on the Anasazi and other Native American tribes in the region.
Hovenweep Visitor CenterHovenweep National Monument is located on the southern tip of Colorado. The monument consists of six different villages that were built by the ancient Pueblo people. The villages are spread out over a 20-mile area and are located near canyons and mesas. The Pueblo people built the villages between 1100 and 1300 AD. They used the villages as seasonal homes and for trading with other tribes. The villages were abandoned in the 1300s, and the reason why is unknown.
Lowry PuebloLowry Pueblo is a Mesa Verde Anasazi site located in Montezuma County, Colorado. The site was inhabited ca. 1200-1300 CE and consists of a small pueblo with around 30 rooms. The pueblo is located on a bluff overlooking the Rio Grande River and was likely used as a hunting and gathering campsite. The site was first excavated in the early 1900s and has since been reconstructed.
Pipe Shrine HouseThe Pipe Shrine House, located in Montezuma County, Colorado, is a unique and fascinating archaeological site. believed to have been built by the Anasazi people around 1200 AD, the structure is thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes. The most impressive feature of the site is the large number of pipes that have been found inside the home. Many of these pipes are decorated with images of animals, humans, and other symbols.
Spruce Tree HouseSpruce Tree House is a large archaeological site located in Montezuma County. The site includes a number of well-preserved dwellings and public buildings, as well as a large number of burial sites. Excavations at the site have yielded a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, tools, and jewelry. The site is believed to have been inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans from approximately AD 1200 to 1300. Today, It is a popular tourist destination.
Yucca House National MonumentYucca House National Monument is located in Montezuma County, Colorado. It was established as a National Monument in 1909 by President Theodore Roosevelt. The monument consists of a large number of Ancestral Puebloan ruins, including the largest concentration of masonry dwellings in the Southwest United States. The site is believed to have been occupied between 1050 and 1300 AD. Today, the monument is open to the public for tours and educational programs.