Montezuma County - 13 Attractions You Must Visit

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About Montezuma County

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.

Types of Attractions in Montezuma County

Activities Around

List of Attractions in Montezuma County

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Canyons 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.

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

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.

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace

Old Ruins

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.

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center

Notable Architectures

Old Ruins

The 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.

Hesperus Mountain

Hesperus Mountain

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Hesperus Mountain is the highest peak in Montezuma County. The mountain is located in the San Juan National Forest, and its summit offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Hesperus Mountain is popular with hikers and campers, and there are several trails that lead to the top. The summit can also be reached by car, and there is a small parking lot at the trailhead. Visitors to Hesperus Mountain are sure to be impressed by its beauty, and the hike to the top is well worth the effort.

Hovenweep Visitor Center

Hovenweep 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 Pueblo

Lowry Pueblo

Old Ruins

Lowry 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.

Mancos State Park

Mancos State Park

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Outdoors- Other

1 Day Treks

Mancos State Park is a nature lover and hiker's paradise. The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, as well as stunning geological formations. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, fish in the reservoir, or camp under the stars. In addition, the park offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. The park also features a Visitor Center with exhibits on the natural history of the area.

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.

Spruce Canyon Trail

Spruce Canyon Trail

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

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.

Spruce Tree 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.

Ute Mountain

Ute Mountain

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Ute Mountain is located in Montezuma County, Colorado. The mountain is part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and has an elevation of 12,721 feet. The mountain is named for the Ute people, who inhabited the area prior to European settlement. Ute Mountain is known for its stunning views and extensive hiking trails. The mountain is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and black bears. Ute Mountain is a popular destination for camping, picnicking, and sightseeing.

Yucca House National Monument

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.

Map of attractions in Montezuma County

Comments

For more information about Montezuma County, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montezuma_County,_Colorado