The Legend of the Grand Canyon’s Egyptian Artifacts
In March and April 1909, the Phoenix Gazette published two stories about the discovery of a great underground citadel hidden in a cave in the Grand Canyon. The first article in March only mentions explorer G.E. Kinkaid and his explorations down the Colorado River. The paper also notes that he made some interesting archeological discoveries, but no […]
Haunted Hotels: The Stanley Hotel, Colorado
Listed among the top five most haunted hotels in the United States, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, is also one of the most beautiful locations you can visit. Located just six miles away from Rocky Mountain National Park, this historic hotel offers amazing vistas in every direction, mixed with old world charm, served up with a healthy […]
The Navajo Shoe Game
During winter evenings, Navajo families spend the time telling stories of the people — of their emergence into this world and of the trickster, Coyote — and they enjoy playing games. In particular, they play the Shoe Game. According to Navajo legend, long ago, the night creatures and the day creatures did not understand the […]
State Flower of Colorado
The white and lavender Columbine, Aquilegia caerulea, more commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Columbine, was voted the state flower by the school children of Colorado in 1881. Of the 22,316 votes cast, 14,472 went to the Rocky Mountain Columbine. Even though the children cast their votes in 1881, the Columbine wasn’t adopted as the […]
What is the Difference Between an Arroyo, a Wash and a Wadi?
In the Southwest, you will frequently run into the terms arroyo, wash and and maybe even the term wadi. These rambling water courses, sometimes full, sometimes dry, give Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah their character and are often some of the most beautiful spots in the country. The landscape sometimes looks like a crumpled […]
Top 5 Things To Do in Durango, Colorado
The climate and natural resources of the Animas Valley in Colorado, has made it a gathering place for humans as far back as 14,000 years ago. The first inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who followed the buffalo herds and other game into the area. The settlement of Durango, Colorado remained sporadic for nearly 12,000 years until the Anasazi culture […]
Top 10 Things to do in New Mexico
New Mexico, the “land of enchantment,” lives up to its reputation for beautiful locations and great things to see and do. From mountains to deserts, sand dunes to snow capped peaks, New Mexico has it all when it comes to natural wonders. It also has some incredible attractions and events that make the state a […]
Four Corners Monument
Four Corners Monument is a fun side trip when you are touring the Southwest U.S. It is the only place in the United States where four states intersect at one point: Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. If you are very agile, you can have your photo taken with your legs in two states and your […]
The Difference Between a Butte, Mesa and Plateau
When traveling in the Southwest, you will discover plenty of the geologic and landscape features that end with the word butte, mesa or plateau — for instance, Coyote Butte, Grand Mesa, Colorado Plateau. In each instance, these geologic features have a flat top surface with relatively steep sides. So if they all have flat tops […]
