Ute Indian Prayer Trees, of the Pikes Peak Region
At the heart of the Shining Mountains stands a mountain the ancient Ute knew as Tava, the Ute word for Sun. It was the most sacred of all places to the Ute because the sun, which gives forth life from the Creator, always rose there first. The Ute believed that at the beginning of time, the Creator made the Shining Mountains; then, He created the animals, and when He was finished He created The Nuche, The People. The Ute believed the Shining Mountains were created by the Creator to sustain, not just them, but all The People. To the Ute people, life began in the Shining Mountains.
**This book can be purchased directly from the Old Colorado City Historical Society.
Association for Native American Sacred Trees and Places
NASTaP is headquartered at the historic Glen Isle Resort in Bailey, CO. Built in 1899-1900 as a hunting lodge on known Native American lands, Glen Isle is being restored to its heyday glory with a mixture of Native American influences, rustic and antique decor, and luxurious new comforts. Native American modified trees and other landmarks have been identified on Glen Isle property. NASTaP is proud to partner with owners, Greg and Mary Ruth Vincent, in honoring Glen Isle’s Native American past and teaching new generations about the legacy left by native peoples over thousands of years in the region, state, nation, and American continents.
Ute Indian Prayer Trees at Fox Run Regional Park in Colorado Springs, CO
The finest variety and densest concentration of Ute Indian Prayer Trees in the Pikes Peak Region to date, have been located in the Fox Run Regional Park located in the Black Forest of El Paso County, CO. This YouTube video by Rod Smith, based on the book by John Anderson, offers a wonderful introduction to these Culturally Modified Trees (CMT) that truly are living Native American artifacts estimated to be hundreds of years old.
Ute Indian Prayer Trees at Monument Preserve
Welcome to the mysterious and deeply spiritual world of Ute Indian Prayer Trees. Learn the story of the Ute Prayer trees and the details of which have been lost to time. Our story begins at the Ute Prayer Trees at Monument Preserve, located on the western side of Monument, CO.
Colorado Experience: The Sheriff
Rankin Scott Kelly fled New England in anticipation of prosecution for murder. This early brush with crime served as a catalyst for Kelly’s dedication to the law, becoming El Paso County’s first sheriff.
Fox Run Prayer Tree Tour
El Paso County Fox Run Regional County Park hosts many wonderful Ute Indian Prayer Trees. Watch and learn from your host, John Wesley Anderson as he takes you on a tour to see some of these magnificent historical wonders.