I camped at the foot of Pikes Peak in Colorado, at a place called Manitou Springs.  Nearby was a cliff dwelling site that was a bit different than historical places I’ve visited before.  Although much of the Anasazi dwellings themselves are original, the 40 rooms have been relocated from their original site in McElmo Canyon in southwest Colorado in order to preserve and protect them.  So instead of asking people not to touch the walls, kids and adults are encouraged to climb over and through them, to get a feeling for what life would have been like living in such a place.

Although this site turned out to be a bit different than I though it would be, and felt a bit artificial, is was not badly done, and the children there were certainly enjoying climbing all over the place instead of being told not to touch, as they so often are!

These T shaped doorways are a fairly unusual feature of the buildings, and I liked seeing the grooves in the bottom stone where so many people must have put their feet.

There were several tower structures, some believed to be used as watch towers, while others were for grain and food storage.

Quite tiny rooms were shelter for entire families, and buildings of several stories housed several families, one per floor.

This balcony dwelling is considered unusual, and there’s a ladder inside for access between the floors, indicating that the dwellers on each floor might have been clan related.

I particularly liked the gardens in front of the dwellings, where medicinal and cooking herbs were planted, with explanations of the probable uses of each plant.

A separate building in front of the cliff seems to serve as a work room where grain was ground, and possibly for other purposes, such as the processing of animals for meat.

This oven, though apparently retaining its original construction materials, was greatly restored due to its deteriorating condition.  Although I have no knowledge of archeological preservation, I’m always dubious about whether this is a good idea, as so much of the original character, patterns of use, etc, seem to be lost this way.  But I’m sure the experts know best…

The museum on site had some very interesting artifacts, including these sandals and pots, items that seem very personal, and therefore make me feel a connection with the humans who used them so long ago.  I was really impressed with the sophistication in the design and construction of all these items.

So although it was a moderately interesting way to spend an afternoon, the fact that it was relocated and had so much restoration work done took away some of the authenticity of the site for me.  Perhaps that’s not fair, as it was obviously necessary for preservation, but… so it was.  Having said that, as a place to take kids and let them run a bit wild while they learn something, it’s just about ideal!