Sand Canyon Pueblo
Most people, when they come to view prehistoric sites in SW Colorado, envision grand cliff dwellings and remarkably well-preserved huts. The Sand Canyon Pueblo, the largest single Native American ruin in Colorado, defies these expectations. Here, most of the ruin was left unrestored and underground. Nonetheless, it provides an equally educational experience, and it is quite enlightening to see what the ruins look like when nature is allowed to take its course. The birding here is nothing to scoff at, either, and excellent pinyon-juniper forest provides a good chance for all the specialties thereof. Look for Gray and Plumbeous Vireos, Western Bluebird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Black-throated Gray and Virginia’s Warblers, and more. Colorful collared lizards are common here, and mammals such as least chipmunk and rock squirrel are often spotted. Those desiring a desert hike can walk six miles down Sand Canyon to a trailhead on McElmo Creek. This makes for an excellent and fairly easy way to experience remote southwest Colorado while hiking through scenic canyon country.
Restrictions: Disturbing or removing of Native American artifacts prohibited
County: Montezuma
Directions: From Cortez, drive north 5 miles on US 491, then turn left (west) onto CR P and follow for about 8 miles through some twists and turns (including a tricky spot: when you get to CR 18, turn left, then right onto P again). About 8 miles from 491, turn left on CR 16. Then turn left onto CR N and watch for the BLM parking lot on the left.
Alternate Directions: From Cortez, head north on US491 for 5 miles to CR P and turn left. Go 4.5 miles to a 'T' with CR 18 and turn left. Go a half-mile to another 'T' and take a left onto CR P. Go just over 2 miles to CR 16, take a left and go a mile to CR N. Take a right and go a mile to the parking area, on the left.
Habitat: Pinyon/Juniper Forest, Rimrock/Mesa
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: BLM
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: None
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None
Delorme: 84 A2
ROC: 136 C4
Latitude: 37.399988
Longitude: -108.775289