Near Dolores in Montezuma County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Juniper

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2025

1. Juniper Marker

Inscription.
Although there are several species of juniper, the Utah juniper growing here is the most common species in southwest Colorado. Junipers can grow to 25 feet tall and may live for several hundred years. Junipers and piñon pines form dense forests in the southwest. These forests have provided fuelwood, building material, medicinal ingredients and food to people for thousands of years.

All parts of the juniper (ngumapé) are used by the Hopi people. Dyes are made from the berries or roots. The berries are eaten when they turn a brownish color. When dried they are strung into beads. A tea made from twigs and needles is good for digestive problems.
—Tsuyesva Kelhoyouma, Hopi

Erected by The Colorado Historical Society, the Bureau of Land Management, the Family of Nellie Mulnix Joy and the Frankston Family.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Science & Medicine.

Location. 37° 28.714′ N, 108° 32.796′ W. Marker is near Dolores, Colorado, in Montezuma County. It can be reached

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from State Highway 184 at milepost 7, on the right when traveling west. The marker is on the Escalante Pueblo Trail at the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 27501 Colorado Highway 184, Dolores CO 81323, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Farmland... Now & Then (a few steps from this marker); Piñon (within shouting distance of this marker); Big Bend & McPhee (within shouting distance of this marker); Dolores / McPhee Reservoir (within shouting distance of this marker); Prickly Pear Cactus (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Sage Plain, Colorado and Utah (within shouting distance of this marker); Wildlife or Relatives? (within shouting distance

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2025

2. Juniper Marker

of this marker); Big Sagebrush (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dolores.

Also see . . . Juniperus osteosperma (Wikipedia).

Excerpt: Utah juniper is a shrub or small tree native to the southwestern United States. Native Americans such as the Havasupai used the bark for a variety of purposes, including beds, and ate the cones both fresh and in cakes. The Havasupai used the gum to make a protective covering over wounds. Additionally, the Yavapai gave their women a tea made from the leaves to calm their contractions after giving birth and fumigated them with smoke from the leaves placed over hot coals. A small quantity of ripe berries can be eaten as an emergency food or as a sage-like seasoning for meat. The dried berries can be roasted and ground into a coffee substitute.

(Submitted on December 23, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Utah Juniper image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2025

3. Utah Juniper

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 38 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 23, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.