Trail of the Ancients

The wonders of the spiritual world are closer than you think.

* Mesa Verde National Park:

Voted the #1 historic monument in the world and National Geographic Travelers "Fifty Places of a Lifetime". Open year round with a renowned light show in December and just 20 miles away from the Sophia Peace Center. Let the spectacular cliff dwellings & numerous mesa-top villages carry you away into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloan people.

* Native American Dances:

10 miles away, during the summer, Native American Dances are held in full costume on the plaza of the Cortez Cultural Center, Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Storytellers, artists, and historians speak about American Indian cultures at 8:30 p.m. following the dances.

*Horseback Riding & Sleigh Rides:

Fantastic outfitters provide private adventures from a simple afternoon ride to night rides, carriage or wagon rides, camping and pack trips and sleigh rides. All within 20 minutes of the Sophia Lodge.

* Crow Canyon Archaeological Center:

This archaeological research and education center offers full-day programs that explore the Ancestral Puebloan world through site tours of working excavations and hands-on activities.

* Ute Mountain Tribal Park:

Receive a guided tour by Ute Indians who know in depth knowledge of the cultural past of the Ute and Puebloan people. You may also visit the Pottery Factory that sells museum quality, beautifully decorated pottery from local tribal artists.

* Ouray Hot Springs:

Take a few hour drive to spend the day soaking in the healing powers of this natural outdoor oval pool, holding nearly a million gallons of odorless mineral water. With three separate soaking sections and temperatures rating from 88° to 105°F, let your body be renewed. Open year round (June-Aug daily 10am-10pm; Sept-May daily noon-9pm).

*Arches National Park:

Just 2 hours away enjoy over two thousand natural sandstone arches, the world famous Delicate Arch and millions of years of exposed geological history.

* Monument Valley:

Magnificent red mesas transform a sandy desert into a inspiring landscape only 2.5 hours away.

please see our "Activities" Page for a full list of local activities.