Yucca House National Monument

I recently visited the Yucca House. I was less then impressed. It is very difficult to find. If you are really really really interested in Native American sites then I would take the time to find this one. However, if you are like me somewhat interested I wouldn't waste my time. For those who wish to visit this site that has yet to be developed make sure you stop in the Cortez Visitor Center so you can get directions on how to find it. A GPS will work, but you have to go down some dirt roads into a persons property, park on their property and then walk out to the site. Since it has not been developed there is no fee and just a pile of rubble at this time. I am in strong support of the parks developing this site in order to preserve it. I just wish they had more information on how to help put funds towards developing it into a National Monument. Beware of snakes while you are walking around this area.

Hovenweep National Monument

Somewhere on the border of UT and CO you will find Hovenweep National Monument. This is a great place to go for a 2 mile hike, but it is the only hike at the park. I would consider it mild hiking, but there area few steep steps to get down and up in order to do the entire trail. I really enjoyed this trail because it allows you to see all of the sites in the park while getting some serious exercise. I would not attempt this trail without lots of water. There are benches along the way which are shaded and strategically placed. I was lucky the weather was perfect 80 degrees. Not too hot. I think this is one of the nicer ruins to visit in the area. Good exercise. Be sure to bring a lunch. There is a visitor center here, but no food. It is about a 1/2 hour to Cortez, CO from here. I would do this hike again. Very beautiful. I am not sure I would take young kids on it. The path skirts a canyon on either side all the way. It is very tempting to go near the edge. I was tempted many times.

South West Whitewater

Yesterday I went and visited Durango, CO. It is a fun mountain town. Great downtown area and lots of things to do. There is a steam train you can take to Silverton, CO. I plan on taking this a little later in the season. Perhaps fall. I opted to go whitewater rafting. I checked out several of the companies in the area. I decided to go with South West Whitewater. The price was reasonable. $30.00 for 2 hours or $40.00 for 4hours which includes a meal stop along the way. I decided 2 hours. I have always wanted to take a whitewater trip in Colorado being this is where I am from and never have. So now was the time. I was by myself but that didn't matter everyone was very welcoming and accommodating. I ended up on a raft with a couple and a guide so only 3 of us not a lot of weight, but that didn't matter the guide was very experienced and she did an excellent job of guiding. We hit some hard core rapids my favorite kind. Just going into a wall of water is the greatest feeling on Earth. The best time of year to go is right after the snow melts. I am a little late but not at all disappointed the river was kind to us. The big Kauna was my favorite rapid to crest, felt like flying. I haven't been on a whitewater trip since 2000 in ME on the Kennenbeck. Anyway, I highly recommend doing this activity. The Los Animas River is perfect for it. So if you are in Durnago and and have a few hours to kill what better way to do it, then get out on the river!