In the summer of 2002, local residents’ lives became “suspended” while the Missionary Ridge Fire burned over 70,000 acres of La Plata County. The fire’s destruction was awesome but it also brought with it a fascinating tale of the creative thinking and abilities of individuals who have had to deal with the aftermath of such a devastating event.

The Vallecito Lake area was hard hit but its determined residents have put together a brand new attraction in the Four Corners. It is simply called the Tour of Carvings. But simple it is not.

After the fire was finally brought under control, David McGinnis, Vallecito resident for 30 years and the Vallecito Community Council special projects coordinator, was asked by his son Paul (living in Texas) what would become of the burned trees in the area and an idea was born. The local McGinnis decided to look for artists who could make carvings from the massive partially burned and dying trees. He discovered someone by the name of Chad Haspels, when he called the Dolores Ranger Station of the US Forest Service where Haspels works. Haspels took an old college-days sculpture to the council to show his sculpting ability. The council went into action and an agreement was struck on the concept for the Tour of Carvings.

Haspels, like any true artist, was less concerned about the length of time it would take to complete each carving than he was about the quality of each. Thus, each piece is carefully worked into a very specific, unlike-any-other carving. Beginning with a chainsaw to create negative space and basic forms, Haspels then uses a side-grinder to further define the sculpted image. Next comes the finishing of the carving with chisels and mallets. The final stage to the carvings is the use of a propane torch to burnish the piece, creating a rich, finished appearance.

There are twelve carvings in all and none are for sale. Instead, people and businesses can donate monies toward the current project and its future development and have their names permanently inscribed on plaques.

Maps identifying carving locations around the lake are available just below Vallecito’s dam at an information center and also at hundreds of locations within a 100-mile radius of the lake.

Of the twelve 3,000-plus pound carvings, here are just a few of the unique examples to expect when enjoying the Tour of Carvings —an eagle and a female EMT, a woman of the La Plata County Sheriff’s Department (complete with very detailed cords from her phone/radio), a representation of a Colorado Mounted Ranger and his horse in a stable, and a firefighter with his chainsaw. Each one is worth seeing and it is a wonderful example of recycling trees from a tragedy and bringing forth something new to the Four Corners. It is meaningful to county residents and will be to visitors to our county as well. It is a beautiful tribute to all who fought the fire and worked to end it. We know you’ll find the Tour of Carvings inspirational.

Countless sites of dwellings are found throughout Southwest Colorado and today, in what is one of the most dramatic examples of their seven-century-long civilization, Mesa Verde National Park continues to protect and preserve these ancient cliff dwellings. Mesa Verde was the first park in the United States established to protect man-made artifacts.

Who were these people and why did they leave? What can we learn and where did they go? Professionally trained tour guides help visitors to the park get some insight into the experiences and settings of these early people. These guided tours review the past and present puebloans, explain the story of how Mesa Verde was “happened upon” by early area settlers, as well as cite information on early excavations and explain the creation of Mesa Verde National Park and its designation as a United Nations World Heritage Site.

The ruins are not all grouped in any one particular locale, so be prepared, and allow time to get from one site to another. Not all the sites can be adequately seen in one day. Some of the Ranger-led tours to consider taking to these breathtaking ruins include: Balcony House Tour, Long House Tour and Cliff Palace Tour. Aramark Mesa Verde Company offers private tours by advance reservation. These tours can can be for parties of up to 37 persons and may be scheduled for a maximum of 6 hours with established beginning and ending times. They can also be tailored to the needs of the touring group. To visit Aramark’s website, go to www.visitmesaverde.com/tours.htm  or call 1-800-449-2288 (the local number is 533-1944).

The park’s entrance lies approximately midway between Cortez and Mancos on US Highway 160. The Far View Visitor Center is 15 miles from the park entrance. Allow at least 45 minutes driving time from Durango. From the main highway into the park, the roads are fairly narrow with sharp curves and steep grades. The park is open every day of the year. Park information is available by calling (970) 529-4465 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/meve. 

The Anasazi Heritage Center is the information headquarters for the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The Monument encompasses 164,000 acres of the densest concentration of archaeological sites on public land in the nation. The archaeological information held in these sites contains evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years. Canyons of the Ancients is a unique area because it offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe, study, and experience how cultures lived and adapted over time in the American Southwest.

Visitors are asked to come to the Anasazi Heritage Center to get maps and information about places to visit in the Monument. Visitors will need maps to make their way through the network of gravel and dirt roads and to avoid crossing private property.

The Monument is a rugged area intertwined with natural and cultural resources. There is no permanent source of water in Canyons of the Ancients and the weather can change drastically in a matter of minutes. Daytime summer temperatures vary from 80º F to over 100º F and winter temperatures can drop into the single digits. Please be prepared by taking plenty of water. Visitors should use insect repellant, wear appropriate clothing, a hat, long sleeves and pants, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, and good socks. As when traveling anywhere in the backcountry remember to watch out for rattlesnakes, scorpions, mountain lions, and other potentially dangerous wildlife.

The Bureau of Land Management is currently preparing a Resource Management Plan for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Issues to be addressed will include preservation of cultural and natural resources; balancing multiple uses such as recreation, livestock grazing, energy development, traditional and Native American activities; integrating Monument management with community, tribal, and other agency needs; visitor services; and access and transportation on public lands. For more information call the Anasazi Heritage Center at (970) 882-5600 or visit the website at www.co.blm.gov/canm.