The Ute Mtn. Ute Tribal Park: Where History, Culture & Bike Adventures Converge
SIGN UP FOR A TOUR TODAY! Story by Lauren Beach, photos by Steve Fassbinder, Video by Lizzy Scully, story read in video by Mike Adamski. Bikepacking Into the Ute Mtn. Ute Tribal Park For the last few years I frequently found myself on the internet going down bikepacking gear rabbit holes. And it felt overwhelming.… The post The Ute Mtn. Ute Tribal Park: Where History, Culture & Bike Adventures Converge appeared first on Four Corners Guides.
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Story by Lauren Beach, photos by Steve Fassbinder, Video by Lizzy Scully, story read in video by Mike Adamski.
Bikepacking Into the Ute Mtn. Ute Tribal Park
For the last few years I frequently found myself on the internet going down bikepacking gear rabbit holes. And it felt overwhelming. I constantly put things in my cart, but never could pull the trigger. I finally decided I needed some guidance. Through a friend I was lucky to hear about Four Corners Guides, out of Mancos, Colorado. When I went on their website to see what trips they offered I immediately set my sights on the Ute Mtn. Ute Tribal Park, one of the few blank spots on the map in the United States.
“Nestled on the border of Mesa Verde National Park lies a hidden gem, twice its size yet often overlooked: the Ute Mountain Tribal Park,” their website read… Excited, I knew this would be an incredible and unique location for my first foray into bikepacking.
My Blank Spots. Your Blank Spots
Lizzy and Steve , the owners of the four corners guide service, patiently walked me through the array of bike bag options, helping me understand their functionality and necessity. They were also standing by to help with any questions as I set my bike, which made me feel empowered to be able to do it on my own one day. I truly appreciated all the tips and knowledge they shared with me. I felt confident that after the trip I would finally be able to execute some trips on my own.
The Land & Its Ancient People
Coming from the East Coast I didn’t know much about this area of the world. I honestly had no idea how magical this experience would turn out to be and how much I would learn.
The landscape of Ute Mountain Tribal Park is a tapestry of ancient ruins, towering mesas, and rugged trails. Lizzy and Steve provided insightful commentary along the way about the history of the area, birds and plants.
What We Explored
Over the next few days we explored dozens of hidden cliff dwellings tucked away in alcoves. We climbed steep trails to get up close and personal with a few. This is something you aren’t able to do when visiting nearby Mesa Verde National Park.
What makes this trip so exceptional is the fact that Ute Mountain Tribal Park remains largely unexcavated and relatively untouched, unlike the National Park. This meant that we had the rare opportunity to see pottery sherds, stone tools, and even Moki steps—ancient foot and handholds carved into rock faces—right where they were originally crafted centuries ago. The thrill of stumbling upon these artifacts added a layer of authenticity and wonder to our adventure, making each discovery a cherished memory.
A Place Where History, Culture & the Thrill of the Outdoors Converge
As I biked through the high-elevation, canyon landscape of Ute Mountain Tribal Park, I couldn’t help but daydream about the ancient civilizations that once thrived here. Imagining their daily lives, intricately tied to the land and its resources, brought a profound sense of connection.
And to do all this while getting a significant amount of riding in–60 miles–some time cooling off in the Mancos River, miles of steep, incredible hiking, beautiful camping under starry skies, and good company!
As our bikepacking adventure drew to a close, I found myself already planning future trips. Lizzy and Steve’s guidance had not only equipped me with practical skills, but also inspired a deeper appreciation for the art of bikepacking. Ute Mountain Tribal Park had been a perfect introduction—a place where history, culture, and the thrill of outdoor exploration converged.
Learn more about this ancient place in this 1979 New York Times article. Or click here to sign up for a course today!
The post The Ute Mtn. Ute Tribal Park: Where History, Culture & Bike Adventures Converge appeared first on Four Corners Guides.
