1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.)
Daily Tour
10 people
English
Watch the sunrise over the iconic Mesa Verde plateau in Hawkins Nature Preserve as you sip coffee at the canyon edge & learn about the history of southwest Colorado. Our walk is an easy 2-mile walk over sometimes uneven terrain. Afterward, guests can come back to explore the area on their own! Dogs are welcome, please ask before you bring Fido! As we walk through the preserve you will see & learn about the unique geology & ecology of southwest Colorado. We will stop at the canyon's edge to watch the sunrise over the La Plata mountains & Mesa Verde NP. A sunrise hike isn't complete without a treat, so I will make sure to bring your choice of coffee, tea or hot chocolate & a locally baked goodie! After the sun rises we will continue our walk through pinyon-juniper woodlands, stopping along the path to learn about various flora & fauna. We will also stop at a 1,000+-year-old ruin and discuss the lives & culture of the people that built Mesa Verde.
Hawkins Nature Preserve is a 122-acre preserve on the southern edge of Cortez. Access is FREE & open to the public, but it can be difficult to find the perfect sunrise watching spot if you’ve never been. After our tour, it’s easy to come back to explore the area by yourself. Hawkins is a popular dog-walking area, but please check in with me before your bring your friend! **This tour is NOT in Mesa Verde NP, but has great views of the plateau.
1 hour 28 minutes • Admission Ticket Free