Pipe Shrine House - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Old Ruins

About Pipe Shrine House

The 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.

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Things to Do at Pipe Shrine House

This unique attraction is located in the town of Cortez and is dedicated to the history and culture of the Native American people who once lived in the area. The Pipe Shrine House is home to a collection of artifacts, including pottery, tools, and weapons, as well as a variety of traditional clothing and jewelry. Visitors can learn about the lifestyles of the Native Americans who once inhabited this region, and see how they utilized the natural resources around them. The Pipe Shrine House is also home to a number of interactive exhibits, making it a great place for families or groups to visit.

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History of Pipe Shrine House

Montezuma County, Colorado is home to a fascinating historical site known as the Pipe Shrine House. Originally built by the Anasazi Native Americans over 800 years ago, the structure was used for ceremonial purposes. The name "Pipe Shrine House" comes from the many pipes that were found inside the structure when it was first discovered by archaeologists. These pipes are thought to have been used in religious ceremonies, and they provide a unique insight into the culture of the Anasazi people. Today, the Pipe Shrine House is open to the public, and it is a popular destination for both history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Best Time to Visit Pipe Shrine House

The best time to visit is between June and August, when the weather is warm and dry. 

Tips for Visiting Pipe Shrine House

  1. Make sure to call ahead for tour reservations as space is limited.
  2. Be respectful of the shrine and do not touch any of the artifacts.
  3.  Listen to your guide and refrain from talking during the tour.
  4. Take some time to explore the surrounding area after the tour.
  5. Take time to learn about the history of the site and the people who have called it home.
  6. Be respectful of the site and its history. The Pipe Shrine House is a sacred place for many Native Americans and should be treated with respect.
  7. Remember that this is a remote location and help should not be expected if something happens to you while visiting the site.
     

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Pipe Shrine House

  1.  The Pipe Shrine House was built in 1881 by William Harrison Jackson.
  2. The Pipe Shrine House became a registered historic landmark in 1971.
  3. It is believed that the shrine was added to appease the local Native American population.
  4. There is also a small museum on site that contains Native American artifacts.
  5. The house was likely used for religious ceremonies and may have been named for its pipe-shaped ceremonial kiva. 
  6. The structure is made from adobe brick and stone, and includes a number of rooms, a loft, and an enclosed courtyard. 
  7.  Every year, the park attracts more than half a million visitors from all over the world, who come to admire its stunning archaeological treasures and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape."

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Pipe Shrine House

It is said that it takes approximately two to four hours to explore the Pipe Shrine House in Montezuma County, Colorado.

How to Reach Pipe Shrine House

The Pipe Shrine House is located in Montezuma county, Colorado. To reach it, take Highway 491 north from Towaoc for about 8 miles. Then turn left onto County Road G and travel about 1 mile. The Pipe Shrine House will be on your right. It is a small, brownish-red building with a green roof. 

Entrance Fee of Pipe Shrine House

The entrance fee of the Pipe Shrine House in Montezuma County, Colorado, is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Opening Hours of Pipe Shrine House

Pipe Shrine House, located in Montezuma County, Colorado, is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Saturday and Sunday. 

Attractions Near Pipe Shrine House

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park

3.75km from Pipe Shrine House

An American national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Montezuma County, Colorado. It protects some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States. The park occupies 52,485 acres near the Four Corners region of the American Southwest. With more than 5,000 sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. it is the largest archaeological preserve in the United States and is best known for structures such as Cliff Palace.

Spruce Canyon Trail

Spruce Canyon Trail

5.61km from Pipe Shrine House

Spruce Canyon Trail is located in Montezuma county, Colorado. The trail is 3.8 miles long and features a waterfall and amazing views of the canyon. The trail is rated as moderate and is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Dogs are also welcome on the trail as long as they are kept on a leash. The Spruce Canyon Trail is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

6.05km from Pipe Shrine House

The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum is located in Montezuma County. The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived in the area. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, pottery, and tools that were used by the Ancient Puebloans. The museum also offers tours of the nearby ruins of Mesa Verde National Park. The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum is a great place to learn about the Ancient Puebloan people and their way of life.

Spruce Tree House

Spruce Tree House

6.13km from Pipe Shrine House

Spruce 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.

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace

8.29km from Pipe Shrine House

Cliff 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.

Yucca House National Monument

Yucca House National Monument

16.22km from Pipe Shrine House

Yucca 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.

Discover More Attractions in Montezuma County, Home of Pipe Shrine House

Montezuma County

Montezuma County

13 attractions

Montezuma 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.

Location of Pipe Shrine House

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