Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

We left Utah and went into Anna Lee’s home state of Colorado for more exploration of Anasazi sites. The Anasazi Cultural Center was a real find, a seldom visited  museum with an excellent collection artifacts used in daily life by the peoples who lived here 700 years ago.

Bennett explored the museum earning a sticker for finding artifacts.  He also had a lesson in rug weaving on a loom by one of the rangers.

The Wetherhill Family settled in the area in the late 1800s and were among those who rediscovered the area.

This kiva formation was part of the Lowry Pueblo.

This pitstructure is a replica of one built by the Dolores Pueblo.  Pitstructures are dug into the ground.  Walls are formed and the roof is covered with logs.

This tower looks like it might be for defense but the experts think it was actually just a storage point for grain or other products.

Then we took the Square Tower Trail in Hovenweep NM to get closer to remnants of Pueblo structures. Built atop a canyon these buildings and fortifications were well positioned for defense from attacking tribes.  Hovenweep is a Paiute/Ute word for deserted valley yet this area was once filled with the sounds of hundreds of people.

Among the structures we saw are the Stronghold House

Hovenweep Castle

and the Eroded Boulder House.

Cacti were in early spring bloom.

Lizards were either flirting or feuding.

This is a too well kept secret that should be shared by more visitors to the Cortez, CO area.