Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/53603
road trip Land of the Anasazi A round trip into magic and mystery where four states meet by Liz Bryan THERE IS A HAUNTING MAGIC IN THE desert of the American southwest where the four corners of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado meet, a magic only partly explained by the Technicolor brilliance of the terrain and its huge sweep of turquoise sky. For this is still very much the land of the Anasazi, whose ruined villages, mysteriously abandoned, can still be explored on mesas and in canyons scattered across this vast, unforgettable landscape. JAUNT Cortez to Cortez DURATION 5 days PRIME TIME Late summer through fall drive to Hovenweep National Monument leads along the rim of Canyon of the Ancients National Monument; stop for views of strik- ing Castle Rock and an icy drink at the old Ismay Trading Post. Crossing into Utah, follow the signs north for Hovenweep's two- to three-hour canyon walk among (top to bottom) A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado features 600 Anasazi cliff dwellings; Mesa Verde attract 750,000-plus visitors each summer; Spider Rock in Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona; (opposite page) Navajo women perform a Basket Dance at the Cortez Cultural Center in Cortez, Colorado. The small town of Cortez, Colorado, is the culturally rich start – and end – point of this Four Corners circle tour mainly within Navajo country. For an introduction to the area's strong native presence, both ancient and modern, tour the nearby Anasazi Heritage Center (970- 882-5600), followed by Navajo dancing, fl ute playing and sand-painting exhibitions at the Cortez Cultural Center (970-565-1151). The Notah Dineh Trading Co. & Museum sells fi ne Navajo silver and turquoise jewellery, hand- woven rugs and pottery (970-565-9607). LEG ONE:Cortez to Bluff (Approx. 90 km) From Cortez, journey west along County Road G through McElmo Canyon. The 40-kilometre 18 WESTWORLD >> FEBRUARY 2012 Anasazi village ruins, dating from 1200 AD. The site also includes a tent and RV campsite and excellent visitor centre (970-562-4282). From Hovenweep, drive about 32 km west past historic Hatch Trading Post to Hwy. 191. Turn left (south) here and drive 16 km to Bluff, a small town set amid dramatic sandstone tow- ers beside the San Juan River. Good eats: Twin Rocks Cafe, a local favourite. Good sleeps: Calf Canyon B&B (calfcanyon.com). LEG TWO:Bluff to Monument Valley (Approx. 50 km) The splendours of Monument Valley lie some 50 km southwest of Bluff on Hwy. 163, past the stunning Mexican Hat formation and small town of the same name. The valley's rock towers and spires are American West icons – backdrops for many Hollywood westerns. Stop at Redlands (Mesa Verda and Spider Rock) Liz Bryan; (visitors) Emily Riddell/All Canada Photos