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Great museum at a Utah Chacoan site by PaleoRob Edge of the Cedars State Park, located in Blanding, Utah, showcases one of the northwestern-most Chacoan outliers. Partially restored, the pueblo still stands some two stories tall. But the Edge of the Cedars Pueblo is only one of the attractions of this state park. The adjacent museum houses one of the most amazing collections of Anasazi artifacts in the southwest. Some were excavated at Edge of the Cedars, while others come from all over the southeastern portion of Utah. With a low admission, this is one stop that is more than well worth its cost. There is a gravel spur trail that leads down to what can only be described as an odd structure. It is a solar marker, designed by a local artist, that combines Anasazi symbolism with other imagery, light, and shadow. It is supposed to highlight the solstices and equinoxes, but I have not been there during one of these events. Back at the pueblo, you can actually climb on the restored roof of one of buildings, and descend a ladder into a kiva. It is dark and can be hot, especially in the summer, but it is certainly an experience worth having. The trail also winds around the sunken remains of a Great Kiva in the plaza. From here you can see Sleeping Ute Mountain, the Chuskas, and Shiprock - what a view these folks had! After enjoying the pueblo, return to the museum, where you will surely want to look at more of what they have to offer. Check out the Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community. |