Tours begin at Tribal Park headquarters located approximately 20 miles south of Cortez on Highway 491.
Round-trip drive from the Visitor Center, on gravel and dirt roads, is 80 miles for the full-day trip, and 40 miles for the half-day trip. No food or water is available in the park. Tours are offered April through October. Reservations are required. For up-to-date information on the park and tours, visit their website. Recommended visitation time is one day.
If you choose the 1/2 day tour you may want to combine your visit with a stop at the Four Corners Monument. The full day tour is the only way to visit the cliff dwellings.
Special Backcountry Hikes in Ute Mountain Tribal Park:
- July 2, 2011: Pool Canyon Nordenskiold Cliff Dwelling
- July 23, 2011: Inaccessible, Casa Colorado & Casa Blanca Cliff Dwellings
Both of these hikes visit rarely visited areas of the Tribal Park. Hiking time is approximately four hours for the five mile round trip. Visitors must be physically fit and provide their own lunch and water. Each tour is limited to 20 individuals. Cost: $60. Advance deposit of 50% is required.
- August 20, 2011 and September 3, 2011: Morris Three Cliff Dwelling
Tours start at 9:30 and 2:00. Hike is 4.5 miles into Johnson Canyon and requires climbing four ladders. The hike will take 4 to 5 hours. Visitors must be physically fit and provide their own lunch and water. Tour is limited to no more than 12 people. Cost: $35.
For more information contact the Ute Tribal Park at 800-847-5485 or 970-565-9653. The Tribal Park does not accept credit cards.
