Festivals and Events in Mesa Verde National Park

JUNE

Mountain Ute Bear Dance. This traditional dance, the local version of a Sadie Hawkins (in which the women choose their dance partners—and the selected men can't refuse), is held in June on the Tawaoc Ute reservation south of Cortez. The event celebrates spring and the legacy of a mythical bear who taught the Ute people her secrets. It's part of a multiday festival that includes an art fair, music, and storytelling, and culminates with an hour-long dance that's over when only one couple remains. 970/565-3751. www.utemountainute.com.

JULY

Durango Fiesta Days. A parade, rodeo, barbecue, street dance, and pie auction come to the La Plata County Fair Grounds in Durango on the last weekend of the month. 970/247-8835. www.durangofiestadays.com.

OCTOBER

Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering. A parade and dance accompany art exhibitions, poetry readings, music, and storytelling in this four-day event sponsored by the Durango Cowboy Gathering, a nonprofit set up to preserve the traditions of the American West. It's held the first weekend in October. 970/749-2995. www.durangocowboygathering.org.