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Durango, CO (Chimney Rock National Monument) - 2026

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Chimney Rock in southwestern Colorado is was designated as the 103rd National Monument in 2012 and is the 7th to be managed by the United States Forest Service. I t covers 4,726 acres of the San Juan National Forest between Pagosa Springs and Durango, Colo. Chimney Rock National Monument is a significant archaeological, cultural, geological and biological site. T he area has 118 known archaeological sites, including the dramatic Great House Pueblo which likely was used as an observatory for the annual summer solstice. Other features include the Great Kiva, which was likely used for religious ceremonies and community activities; storage rooms; and residential pit houses. While listening to our tour guide, I look to my left below and see this rock formation.  I think it looks like a dinosaur, it even has a tooth. Wall structure shows this building had an addition added to it.
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Durango, CO (Million Dollar Highway to Ouray) - 2026

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The drive on Highway 550 from Durango to Ouray was stunning. Part of Hwy 550 is the Million Dollar Highway from Silverton to Ouray.  Twilight Peak Echo likes the view These pictures were taken above Ouray. There was a pullout with a waterfall to the right and water coming down from the mountains on the left under the road. We had a pleasant sighting on our way back to Durango, 2 moose on the side of the road. 
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Durango, CO (Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park) - 2026

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  It was a really long drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison but the views were spectacular. It reminded of the Grand Canyon only the walls were dark and instead of the Colorado River carving its way through the bottom it was the Gunnison River. We walked out to the many view points and Echo enjoyed all the smells. Tomichi Point Pulpit Rock Point This picture shows you how the south side and north side are sloped differently. It is all relative to the sun, in the winter, when the Black Canyon receives the majority of its precipitation - in the form of snow - the sun is lower in the southern sky. The sun shines mostly on the northern slope evaporating the moisture off the wall. Snow on the south side remains on the walls throughout the winter. Melting and refreezing breaks up the south slope's rocks, creating soil and habitat for plants to take root. Cross Fissures Painted Wall
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Durango, CO (Mesa Verde National Park) - 2026

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Mesa Verde National Park is huge and contains so many ancestral ruins and cliff dwellings. Many of the ruins in the park are protected by structures. The park protects the rich cultural heritage of 27 Pueblos and Tribes and offers a window into the past.  Pit House A.D. 600 Square Tower House Overlook A.D.1 200-1300. This house is a testament to the skill of ancestral architects. This 27 ft high building is the tallest dwelling in Mesa Verde. This house has been standing for 800 years. Pithouses and Pueblos A.D. 700-950 Mesa Top Sites A.D. 900-1100 Sun Point Pueblo A.D. 1200's Sun Point View A.D. 1200-1300. There were many sites along Sun Point Cliff Palace Cliff Palace has at least 150 rooms. You can book a tour to go down and see this area. Oak Tree House New Fire House Fire Temple Sun Temple A.D. 1250 House of Many Windows Hemenway House was occupied in the 1200's, has 26 rooms and one kiva. Balcony House is built in an alcove that cannot be seen in the wall like the other c...
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