Uncover Living History: Native American Prayer Trees

Step into the story of Colorado’s forests and discover trees that are more than just part of the landscape—they’re living artifacts, shaped by the hands and traditions of the Ute people and other Native American cultures. Known as Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs)—and sometimes called prayer trees—these remarkable trees were intentionally altered for sacred, practical, or navigational purposes.

Some trees were carefully bent to point the way to water, sacred sites, or to align with celestial events. Others bear the scars of peeled bark, where inner layers were harvested for food, medicine, or ritual. These unique trees are rare and fleeting markers of a rich, enduring heritage—quietly standing as natural signposts to the traditional lifeways of Indigenous peoples in Colorado.

Doors at 5pm; Speaker at 5:30pm

Parking: Vail Village Parking Structure -Free
Ford Park Parking Lot -$2/hour, first hour free