Sacred grounds
By Dana Benner

This statue of a Ute Indian gathering water sits on the site of the Ute Chief Spring, one of five natural mineral springs in Manitou Springs. © Debi Boucher

As a man of Native American descent, and as a writer specializing in Native American culture and history, I took special interest in Colorado Springs. I spent a year preparing for my trip there, and found Celinda Kaelin’s American Indians of the Pikes Peak Region especially helpful.

The region is the home of the Nuche, or Ute Nation. Others who inhabited or visited this region, some for only very short periods, included Apache, Comanche, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Kiowa and Sioux. With all their different customs and languages, they shared a belief in higher powers and a respect for sacred areas.

This article covers three sacred areas in the Pikes Peak region.

Pikes Peak
Ute tradition states that Nuche originated here, and makes no mention of migration. No other nation speaks of direct ties to the mountain, but like the Nuche, they all considered it a spiritual place.

I rode the cog railway to the top, to enjoy the view in a way that a drive doesn’t allow. At the summit, a special feeling came over me. Perhaps it was a lack of oxygen, but I like to think it was a spiritual experience. Perhaps it was both.

Others spent their time on the summit taking great photos, but I found a secluded spot to say thank you to the Creator for sharing this place with me. I set a traditional offering of thanks—tobacco wrapped in a red cloth—under a rock that overlooked the valley below. After taking a few photos of my own, I sat down and let my mind wander. An overwhelming peace envelops this mountain.

Avoid altitude sickness by drinking plenty of water, and don’t smoke. Your lungs will need all of the oxygen they can get. Above all, respect this special place by putting your trash where it belongs.

Manitou Springs
Native people called the canyon in which this mountain town sits, and the springs found there, “Creator’s Breath.” Both natives and settlers considered the springs medicinal.

Native visitors often left gifts of beads, ties, red cloth and other items as a token of thanks to the Creator for the springs. On such sacred ground, all nations observed peace, and had no fear of attack.

Today’s visitor to Manitou Springs will find nine natural spring fountains, some privately owned but all of which allow visitors to take a drink. But be prepared: This is not the water you get from your kitchen faucet.

Cathedral Valley at Garden of the Gods State Park in Colorado Springs.
© Debi Boucher

Garden of the Gods
The Ute called this sacred place the “Dust of Our Grandfathers,” and like in Manitou Springs, war was banned. All could pass peacefully.

To this day, it is common to find beads, ties or other items left as offerings to the Creator. I am certain someone has found the offering I left behind on my visit.

Many ancient trails cross this area. Many visitors quickly drive through, stopping to take a few photos, but I encourage everyone to take their time. Look carefully and you may see evidence of ancient cooking fires.

Beware of rattlesnakes.

When visiting these sacred areas, show respect. Don’t litter; don’t break the branches off trees, and don’t touch or photograph the offerings that you find hanging from tree branches or on the ground. Native people still visit these spiritual places to pray.

Dana Benner has been writing about Native history/travel and the outdoors for over 25 years. His travels have taken him throughout the Northeast, Alaska, Hawaii, Wyoming, North and South Dakota and Colorado.

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Sacred grounds By Dana Benner

Sacred grounds
By Dana Benner