The Land Provides

Blooming flower of the Indian Paintbrush

NPS Photo: Clara Peterson

Geoheritage Highlight!

This geologic landscape has provided for the livelihood of the people who lived here beginning with the earliest human inhabitants. Archaeological evidence at Florissant shows that people were living in this valley at least 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. They lived on what the land provided and used the rocks in this valley to make stone tools. Native tribes still feel a strong connection to this area today.

 

A Ute Perspective on the Florissant Valley

"This is such a rich valley—the whole area is. Coming here into this valley—it's so green and lush and who wouldn't want to be here? This is a great area, kind of like a cultural grocery store. It is a very unique place, very special. Ancestral Utes knew the territory way better than I do. They knew the seasonal rounds and how to survive as they moved through these areas, the safest way and when to move, and at what time. We knew how and when to harvest certain plants and hunt animals in specific areas."

Betsy Chapoose, 2017
Northern Ute Cultural Rights and Protection Director