You have perused the walls of Mesa Verde’s dwellings and studied the tracks at the Purgatorie River Track Site, so what is next? If you have an interest in Colorado history, the answer is a day trip to this amazing (and well-preserved) Centennial State treasure:
Welcome to beautiful Montrose, Colorado; the home of 20,000 friendly residents, a rich railroad history, and…
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…the hidden gem that is the Shavano Valley Petroglyphs!
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Dating back to 1000 BC, Shavano Valley is considered one of the premier rock art sites in Colorado and has been used to interpret cultural styles and traditions of other petroglyph sites in the region.
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At the Shavano Valley Rock Art Site, you will find 26 panels of petroglyphs created by early Ute inhabitants of this region.
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The carving on the right side of the rock pictured below is thought to be a map of Shavano Valley.
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The animal tracks in this design are believed to depict a ceremonial Ute Bear Dance that celebrated the arrival of spring.
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Other petroglyphs include trees and plants, deer, elk and other animals, and human figures and handprints, as well as several abstract designs.
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Another interesting feature of this site is the unique “Tunnel Cave.”
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The trail that leads to the petroglyph site is only a half-mile long and offers beautiful views of the Shavano Valley countryside.
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Due to the historical significance and delicate nature of the site, the petroglyphs may only be visited by the public on guided tours offered by the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose.
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The Ute Indian Museum is a fascinating spot to explore before or after your tour of the petroglyph site.
Ron Meiners/GooglMaps It is located at 17253 Chipeta Rd., Montrose, CO 81403 and is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the museum and guided tours, visit their website here.
Have you explored this incredibly well-preserved historical site? Are there other petroglyph sites in Colorado that you love? Let us know in the comments below!
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It is located at 17253 Chipeta Rd., Montrose, CO 81403 and is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the museum and guided tours, visit their website here.
Discover even more ancient ruins by reading our previous article: These 9 Unbelievable Ruins In Colorado Will Transport You To The Past.
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