Sleeping Ute Legend
The Sleeping Ute Mountain towers over Towaoc and the Montezuma Valley. Legend has it that this is a Great Warrior God who had come to fight against evil ones causing much trouble. A great battle ensued, and the Warrior God was hurt, so he laid down and fell into a deep sleep. Look carefully at the mountain and you will see him; his head points toward the north, his arms are folded across his chest; his stomach, legs, 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. One day the Utes believe the great warrior God will rise again to help his people fight against their enemies.
