The High Elevation/Paleo-Indian Connection In Southwestern Colorado

In 1987, when the Hinsdale County Historical Society initiated the Lake Fork Valley Archaeological Survey in Southwestern Colorado, the primary question was whether or not there was evidence of prehistoric human activity in the valley. After a small but definitive collection of Archaic and Late Prehistoric tools began to accumulate, the major concern shifted to the apparently missing Paleo-Indian projectile points, comprising the portion of American prehistory from c. 12,000 to 10,000 years ago.

In an attempt to locate more of the early sites, search ares were changed in 2001 to include ridges and terraces higher in elevation than 8,000 feet typical of the Lake Fork River Valley. Almost on cue, a dramatic increase in finds of Paleo-Indian points began to emerge. Two segments of a large quartzrte Eden point were located at the 8,500-foot level, followed a few weeks later by a a Folsom point at 8,600 feet. An earlier Folsom find in a saddle near a volcanic outcrop had also been found at the 8,600 foot level. The highest find to date was a stemmed Paleo point recovered at just over 9.000 feet near a chert quarry logged in on a ridge line at 9,400 feet.
 

Diagnostic points in the Lake Fork Archaeological Survey. Photo by Author

The affirmative answer to one question -- "Is there Paleo-lndian evidence in the Lake Fork Drainage?" -- led to another query. "Why are so many Paleo sites located 500 - 1,000 feet higher than later sites?" First, it must be acknowledged that there are no rigid parameters for site locations. That is there have been occasional Paleo points found on lower elevation ranches and a few Archaic and Late Prehistorrc points have turned up in higher elevations, and an increase of 500 feet in elevations doesn't automatically translate to older tools in a direct correlation. In broad terms, however, the higher elevation Paleo and lower location Archaic and Late prehistoric point trends have remained consistent.

Why might Paleo-lndian have found higher terraces and ridges preferable to those closer to the river? Pursuing the possibility that the main valley could have undergone climatic change to the extent that later people found it more desirable than the Paleo-Indian did, we consulted a geologist at Western State College in nearby Gunnison, CO. He told us that warming and drying in the area after the Paleo-Indian period may have indeed made the valley more habitable to later users. During some Paleo-lndian times, the cooler. wetter climate would likely have produced marshy. Brushy terraces and bottoms near the river The better-drained upland slopes and benches thus may have afforded more suitable camping.

Related to assumptions about the less desirable lower elevations is the likelihood that traversing the area would have been easier when following ridges and mesas in the 9 - 11,000 foot range. with incursions into the lower valley only as needed to cross the valley or pursue fish and game. When surveying higher elevations, it has been a constant that there will be Paleo sites on or near all saddles between peaks and ridges and near natural game trans. Whether traversing the area by staying on plateaus and ridges that are typically over 9,000 feet in elevation or watching upslope game trails for game, the upper reaches of the High County evidently offered enough advantages to cause prehistoric travelers to utilize them.

Accessibility to lithic resources was another factor that offered an enticement for humans to camp in higher locations. To date. all of the chert and quartzite quarries located have been between one and two thousand feet above the valley floor and its lowest terraces. Since tool making and the procurement of suitable stone for manufacturing those tools was an important activity, camp and quarry activities would logically have been carried on near those natural sources.

Another possible draw toward higher campsites was likely plant resources. Among the foods available to early valley users were pinon nuts, found in professional excavations in the region and known to have been common during the Paleo and Archaic culture periods. Researchers .indicate that the pinon forests were located on the ridges somewhat higher than the 8,000-foot valley proper, so prehistoric people wanting proximity to an important food source like pinon nuts would locate their camps in higher settings.

Another practical reason for seeking higher altitude campsites relates to comfort and hygiene. The better drained upland slopes probably made waste disposal easier, easing the attendant concerns for odor and disease. As in true in present day conditions in the valley, the higher benches and hills generally also benefit from more cooling breezes on warm days and are usually free of mosquitoes and flies often found closer to the river, with its abundant fish and plant resources, a higher elevation campsite would likely have been healthier and more pleasant.

Possibly the most important variable leadinq early inhabitants to higher campsites was the accessibility to fresh water. Springs are normally found on the higher river terraces or upstream in the feeder canyons and would have afforded parasite free drinking water and clean water for cooking and other uses.

A final possibility is that some tool making and campsites were located in higher elevations to enhance the game spotting. To better sight and stalk the deer and elk common to the area, a camp located above the valley floor often provided a commanding view of the vast meadows covering many river terraces. Camping higher would help prevent scaring game away while also making it easier to see and hunt them 
 

Possible future investigations by archaeologists may shed considerably more light on questions about why Paleo-lndian chose to camp on terraces and ridges high above the 8,000 foot floor of the Lake Fork, but presently the reasons seem to center on accessibility to fresh water, proximity to plant and lithic resources, greater ease of movement and human transport, enhanced game sighting and stalking, and healthier, more pleasant camp environments. The continued pursuit of answers to a variety of questions related to prehistoric users of the Lake Fork Valley will provide ample motivation to keep project participants walking mesa and ridges in southwestern Colorado's High County.