Ute Mountain Tribal Park - Towaoc, CO - a look at the culture of the Native American and the beauty of the land in one trip

The Ute Mountain Tribal Park's Visitor Center and Museum can be found at the junction of Highways 160 and 491. This is eight miles south of the Ute Mountain Casino and twenty miles to the South of Cortez, Colorado. The park is open from 9am until 4pm at a rate of $45 each person for an active full day. Those with twenty or more people in their groups receive a discounted rate of $27 each person. The cost of an easy half day is $97 each person during the hours of 9A.M. until 12:30pm. When prior notice is given the facility can arrange for tours to begin at 1P.M for the half day.

Ute Mountain Tribal Park has tour guides that are knowledgeable in various aspects of the Ute culture. Those taking the tour lasting only half of the day will have the opportunity to see Ute pictographs panels, Ancestral Pueblo petro glyphs, and see geological surface and land formation sites. The sites seen on the half day tour are within walking distance from partially paved road. The is additional effort and time required for the full day tour which includes a walking three miles along the unpaved trails, climbing a number of ladders to see the cliff dwellings.

The drive round trip on the dirt and gravel roads leading to the Tribal Park Visitor's Center is forty miles for a half day tour and eighty miles for a full day tour. The time of check in is eight thirty in the morning and the time of departure is nine in the morning. All tours given at the Ute Mountain Tribal Park begin at the visitor's center and museum for the facility.

School groups receive a special rate for tours at the park. Students in the first through eighth grades only pay $10 each student while those in the ninth through the twelfth pay $16 each student to take the tour. The rate for college students is $27 each student. There is also a different rate for children accompanied by their families. The rate is $8 for those aged eight and below and $13for those aged nine to fifteen. There are no senior discounts available, there is a deposit of half required for those wishing to take special tours or visit during the weekend. One week notice is required to receive a refund of the deposit.

Those visiting the Ute Mountain Tribal Park should be aware that food and water cannot be obtained in the park itself. Both soft drinks and water can be gotten from the visitor center however. Those taking the tour are advised to bring lunch, water, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellant and their hiking shoes to ensure they are prepared for the tour. It is also suggest that those taking the tours at the park have a full gas tank. There are no dogs or professional photography allowed in the Ute Mountain Tribal Park.

There are no self guided tours allowed on Ute Mountain's tribal land and all entering are required to be with a Ute guide.