Residents and visitors can learn about Native American history and archeology while exploring nature with new tours being offered by Southwest Colorado Canyons Association.
“It is a fun way to socially distance outdoors and learn something new,” said guide Diane McBride.
The tours explore Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, archaeological sites and wilderness areas in Colorado and Utah.
They range from easy to challenging, and can be booked for a half day, full day, or extended full day.
“As everything opens back up, people are anxious to get out. We’re getting a lot of visitors to the area, especially from California and Texas,” McBride said.
As a precaution during the COCID-19 pandemic, tour participants have their temperature taken, and must wear masks when close together. Tours are limited to 10 people to accommodate social distancing.
Year-round tours include Sand Canyon, panoramic monument tour, Painted Hand Pueblo hike, Petroglyph Adventures and Lowry Community tour.
Tours available Aug. 1 to Jan. 31 include Chasing the Wild Goose, Woods Canyon and Bass archaeological sites, and Dolores County Adventure hike.
Participants will learn about geology, Puebloan culture, wildlife and how to respectfully visit archaeological sites. More challenging tours get visitors far into the backcountry where they otherwise would have never ventured.
A tour deep into Cross Canyon features a pioneer homestead, ancient rock art sites, the Wild Goose Pueblo and verdant desert riparian areas.
“There are some spectacular, beautiful sites. It’s nice to hit the backcountry with someone who knows the area,” McBride said.
Local tour guides include McBride, Shaine Gans, Brett LeCompte, Lanny Wagner and Alex Prime.
SWCCA is a nonprofit friends group of the monument and holds a recreation permit with the Bureau of Land Management. Tours for up to four people cost $150. A 20% discount is available for SWCCA members.
For more information visit www.swcocanyons.org/tours. Email: tours.scca@gmail.com, or call (970) 560-1643
