In four different states

We spent the night in Bluff. This little community was founded by Mormon pioneers who made the journey from western Utah in 1879. The aim was to establish a relationship with the natives and to populate the South-Eastern corner of the state. It took them 6 months, two of them was in one spot making a hole in the cliff to descend in the valley where Bluff, the community they created, is located.

Driving further East we stopped for a picture at the Four Corners Monument. We payed $5 each to see a copper plate located 2000 feet East from where it should be! But it’s a famous place to see!

We ended the day in Mesa Verde National Park, driving up in a snowy mountain, we witnessed native habitations on the rim and in the cliffs of a canyon. Some date as old as 600 AD. The park protects nearly 5,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings.

Bluff

Bluff

Bluff, example of native house

New Mexico! Looks like a dump to me here!

Four corners monument

Four corners monument

New Mexico mountains

We’re isolated

Mesa Verde national park

Mesa Verde national park

The Cliff Palace, largest cliff dwelling in North America, 1200 AD

Spruce Tree House

Mesa Verde national park, a pit house, 600AD

Mesa Verde national park, a kiva, the space natives use for ceremonies

Mesa Verde national park,Ruins of a temple

Mesa Verde national park,The Cliff Palace