LA Times
By Rosemary McClure, Times Staff Writer

COLORADO - Educational solstice tour of tribal lands

Watch sunrise over the stark mesas and badlands of southwestern Colorado on a winter solstice tour to ancient astronomical sites. The seven-day educational tour is centered in the Ute Mountain Tribal Park.

"Few people ever get to see these sites and see the way the light and shadows interact with petroglyphs and formations," said Janet Ross of the Four Corners School of Outdoor Education in Monticello, Utah. "And it's a rare opportunity to see the region in winter."

During the Dec. 16-to-22 tour, participants will visit the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park as well as less known archeological sites and solstice sites in nearby Mancos Canyon, home of the tribal park. The canyon was inhabited by early Native Americans, called Anasazi, who left behind artifacts, dwellings and rock art images. Anasazi farmers used the sun's interaction with the petroglyphs and stone windows to predict growing seasons.

Participants hike and explore Mancos Canyon sites with assistance from Ute tribal members. The tribe limits access to the region to preserve its cultural and historical resources.

Cost: $1,395 per person, double occupancy (single surcharge $210), including bed-and-breakfast lodging in Cortez, Colo., meals, transportation to the tour sites, guides and entrance fees. Round-trip transportation from Los Angeles to Cortez is not included.

Contact: Southwest Ed- Ventures at Four Corners School of Outdoor Education; (800) 525-4456, http://www.sw-adventures.org

The Times is not responsible for changes in prices, dates or itineraries. These should be confirmed with travel agents, cruise lines or tour operators.