* Update: The Anasazi Cliff Dwellings museum made no postings that these cliffs were reproductions. Upon people's comments to this post, however, the author has learned otherwise. So as you explore this tourist site, it is still a great way to learn about the Anasazi culture, but keep in mind these are reproductions.
Within the foothills of Pikes Peak, in Manitou Springs, Colorado, lies a unique tourist site called the Anasazi Cliff Dwellings. Visitors are able to explore and walk through the variety of ancient-style homes, getting a true feeling for the size and darkness within. The cliff dwellings are at 6530 feet in altitude, and the mountain view itself is breathtaking.
The Manitou cliff dwellings are easily accessible by foot due to close parking. A nearby pueblo, built in 1898, houses an extensive museum describing the Anasazi culture and artifacts. A large, inspirational store features Native American crafts, decor, jewelry, and much more. The cliff dwellings tourist destination were first opened to the public in 1906, and have undergone preservation and restoration during the past 100+ years.
The word Anasazi is used to describe a distinctive American Indian civilization and culture that existed from about 1200 B.C. to A.D. 1300. However, Puebloan descendants of the Anasazi prefer the phrase "Ancestral Puebloan Peoples." Sometimes they are referred to as "the Ancient Ones." More about the Anasazi name can be found at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings website.
What do you think about these cliff dwellings? Have you ever been to the cliff dwellings in Manitou Springs or in Mesa Verde, Colorado? Please comment below, and share this article with others on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc. by clicking the "Share This" button below.
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Comments
Wonderful article and photos - I would love to see this in person someday!
Awesome! :-)
I was under the impression that the Manitou Springs cave dwellings were artificial. Anyone out there an archeologist who can confirm or deny?
I really want to visit these cave dwellings! They sure picked a place with a great view! :)
I visited the Mesa Verde ones many years ago. It looks as though there is more on display here and they are easier to get to. Pauline - National History & Landmarks Examiner
I had no idea that there were such well preserved cave dwellings in the US. I have visited cave dwellings in Gaudix, Spain which have been inhabited since the 16th Century. Somewhat spookily our car broke down twice, two years apart, while travelling past Gaudix! I look forward to including Anasazi in my travels one day.
For authenticy, please look up "Manitou Springs cave dwellings"
on Wikipedia. They are not authentic dwelling places, but made in Anasazi style with stones from other sites.
This article was published in the Montezuma Journal, Cortez, Montezuma County, Colorado on January 24, 1907. Located in the Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection, online:
"W. S. Crosby, of Manitou, who has in charge the scheme of reproducing Cliff ruins of Montezuma county in a gulch near Manitou, arrived last week, accompanied by A. F. Stanley and C. E. Robertson, of Colorado Springs, and the party, piloted by Adam Lewey and Mr. Kelley, proceeded to these ruins in Mancos canon for the purpose of making sketches and taking the measurements of them."
Definitely a Reproduction. There are no Anasazi Dwellings for at least 75 miles
I have to say that I think the cliff dwellings are one of the neatest things I've seen you post yet! How awesome.
Have been reading all your other work, and finally subscribed here too. Being away for 3 weeks took me a long time to catch up.
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