The Sleeping Ute

From the campground, we had a great view of the mountains referred to as The Sleeping Ute. We love hearing the tales of how mountains get their names:

The Sleeping Ute Mountain looms over Towaoc, on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation south of Cortez. The mountain protects the town from western winds. Legend has it that this is a Great Warrior God who had come to help fight against evil ones causing much trouble. A great battle ensued, and the Warrior God was hurt, so he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. When looking carefully at the mountain, we could see him: his head points toward the north, his arms are folded across his chest; his stomach, thighs, knees, feet (even toes) are all clearly visible. When fog or clouds settle over the sleeping Warrior God, it is a sign that he is changing his blankets for the season. A light green blanket heralds spring, the dark green brings summer. Yellow and red are fall colors and white is winter. When clouds gather on the highest peak, he is letting rain slip from his pockets. One day, the Utes believe, the Great Warrior God will rise again to help his people fight against their enemies.