By Susan Berg
The Four Corners is named for the only area in the
United States where four states (Colorado, Utah, New
Mexico, and Arizona) meet. In Colorado, the area is home to Native American archaeological sites dating back over 1,000 years, beautiful natural scenery, and rugged landscapes. National parks and monuments include Mesa Verde National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and the Hovenweep National Monument. Additional archaeological sites are found at the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area and Anasazi Heritage Center. The Four Corners area in Colorado also features the McPhee Lake Recreation Area and several hot springs, including the Pagosa Hot Springs.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado, about an hour's drive east from Cortez and a 1.5-hour drive west from Durango. The park features archaeological sites and cliff dwellings dating from between 600 A.D. and 1300 A.D. Tour tickets are required to visit the Cliff Palace, Balcony House or Long House.
Mesa Verde National Park
Park Entrance Fee per Private Vehicle--
January 1 to May 23, 2009 and September 8 to December 31: $10
May 24 to September 7: $15
The park entrance fee is good for 7 days.
Guided Cliff Dwelling Tours: $3
McPhee Lake Recreation Area
McPhee Lake, Colorado's second -argest man-made reservoir, is located 10 miles from Cortez. Activities at the lake include fishing, canoeing, boating, and camping. There are two campgrounds located within 15 miles of the lake.
McPhee Campground and Horse Creek Campground
$12 per site/day; additional $3 for electricity
Anasazi Heritage Center
The Anasazi Heritage Center is located in Delores, Colorado. The museum features exhibits covering the topics of archaeology, local history, and Native American cultures. The center also features two archaeological sites on the grounds, a research collection of artifacts and collections, and special exhibits.
Anasazi Heritage Center
27501 Highway 184
Dolores, Colorado
(970) 882-5600
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison features the unique natural scenery endemic to a narrow canyon with sheer, 2000 foot tall walls. Popular activities in the park include hiking, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and fishing.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, Colorado
(970) 641-2337
Park entrance fee per private vehicle--
South Rim or North Rim entrance: $15
Chimney Rock Archaeological Area
Chimney Rock Archaeological Area is located between the towns of Durango and Pagosa Springs. This site covers 4,100 acres in the San Juan National Forest. Archaeologists from the University of Colorado continue to excavate the site, which1,000 years ago was home to ancestors of the modern Pueblo Native Americans. Daily guided walking tours are offered by park volunteers between May 15 and September 30. Fees for the 2.5-hour tours are $10 for adults, $5 for children between the ages of 5 and 11, and free for children under the age of 5.
Chimney Rock Archaeological Area
Located three miles south of Hwy 160 on Hwy 151
(970) 883-5359
Pagosa Hot Springs
The hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, have long been a healthful spot to soak and relax. In addition, the area also features opportunities for golfing, skiing, fishing, rafting, and boating. For more information, visit Pagosa.com.
Hovenweep National Monument
Hovenweep National Monument is located just northwest of Cortez. This mostly undeveloped park features six protected prehistoric Pueblo villages located over a 20-mile area. Popular activities include hiking, stargazing, and partaking in ranger-led interpretive programs.
Hovenweep National Monument
Park Entrance Fee--
Per Private Vehicle: $6
Per motorcycle/bicycle/walk-in: $3
Entrance is good for 7 days.
Campground: $10/night
Four Corners Monument
A visit to the Four Corners area would not be complete without a trip to the Four Corners Monument. The monument is located in a remote area on Navajo Nation land. The monument is open October through May from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from June through September 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Entrance is $3/person.
Resources
About the Author:
A writer and editor based in southeastern Wyoming, Susan Berg has over ten years of experience in the field. Berg earned a Master of Arts degree in journalism from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Dayton. Her work has been published in the "Dayton Daily News" and online at websites including BiologyBiozine.com, Wcities.com, Trails.com, Travels.com and eHow.com.
