CORTEZ COLORADO AREA

 

We had been to Cortez before and always said we would enjoy another visit to the area.  The main attraction around Cortez is Mesa Verde National Park.  Mesa Verde was created in 1906 to preserve the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people, both atop the mesas and in the cliff dwellings below.  The park includes over 4,500 archeological sites; only 600 are cliff dwellings.  Linda and I hiked the 2 1/2 mile trail out to the petroglyphs.  Its had to describe how it feels to stand before them, they are amazing.  We were told that they have had Indians interpret what they mean, it has to do with the movement of the Indians and the places they went.

 

We did manage to take a day trip to the San Juan National Forest.  We packed our lunch and set off for the day.  It is a beautiful forest with lots of wildlife.  It is always a good day when you can see the animals in their own habitat.  I especially like seeing the  porcupine and the osprey.  Nature is the absolute best.

 

 



 

PAGE ARIZONA

 

We have never been to Page before.  We had heard about Antelope Canyon from friends who had visited here before.  What they didn't tell us was it cost $37 a head to ride in the back of a pick up truck for 20 miles and then they heard you into the canyon where you are shoulder to shoulder with other tourist.  It was impossible to take pictures without somebody being in them as everyone was trying to take pictures of there own.  Its not worth the price.

 

 

We drove 40 miles out to  Old Paria but it had been burnt to the ground a long time ago.  Its just a shame that someone would just burn it...  The town site was actually a western movie set.
 

 

 
 

If you are planning a trip to the Page area, I would recommend that you explore the BLM land.  It offers some great hikes and driving tours.  Linda and I hiked the Wire Grass Canyon it offers a slot canyon, hoo doo's and two natural bridges.  

 

 

 

Glen Canyon's 1.25 million acres have a curious ensemble of wonderful features- carved walls, royal arches, glens, alcove gulches, mounds and monuments  The Lake Powell reservoir if filled with rugged canyon lands, sandstone mesas, rivers and is 186 miles long.