COME TO LIFE Chimney Rock National Monument near Pagosa Springs Traverse the Ancestral Lands of Colorado’s Southwest Colorado’s southwest is a haven for those seeking a sense of history, cultural immersion and rugged beauty. Located in the Colorado Plateau, the sandstone canyons and sage-covered plains of the Mesa Verde region are home to one of the largest concentrations of ancestral sites in the country. Here, you can step into the past and traverse the same paths as the Ancestral Puebloans did over 800 years ago, or walk among their homes and sacred sites to gather a sense of a day in their lives. 78 1-800-COLORADO Take the time to travel thoughtfully through this landscape by learning the history of the area’s first inhabitants, as well as how to respect their culture and ancestral sites. ANDREW MAGUIRE While marveling at the landscape and its architectural wonders, it’s important to remember that Colorado was colonized on Native territory, and that this region serves as an opportunity to connect with and learn from Indigenous cultures, as well as appreciate the land that joins us all.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2025: Page 78
