Kokopelli's Cave

Useful Information

Location:	North of Farmington, New Mexico. Near the Mesa Verde National Monument. Check-in at the Manager's home.
Open:	All year daily. [2006]
Fee:	1-2 persons USD 220, 3-4 persons USD 260, additional person USD 50. Price per night. [2006]
Classification:
Light:	Incandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:	AR=153 m².
Guided tours:	n/a
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Kokopelli's Cave Bed & Breakfast, Lindy Poole, Manager, 3204 Crestridge Drive, Farmington, NM 87401, Tel: +1-505-326-2461 (Manager), Tel: +1-505-325-7855, Fax: +1-505-325-9671. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1980	cave first blasted out.
1996	Bruce Black Jr. and wife lived in the cave.
1997	Bed and Breakfast opened.

Geology

Description

Kokopelli's Cave is a cliff dwelling, built by the consulting geologist Bruce Black. He intended it as an office and had it blasted out of the Cretaceous sandstone in 1980. After a few years he improved it by drilling three holes into the cave for ventilation, electrical access lines, and a chimney. He did this himself, together with his son Bruce Black Jr., using his own drilling rig. Now the cave had the basic infrastructure, but it took until 1996 until it was a real home. It has one bedroom, hot and cold running water, a cascading waterfall-style shower, and a flagstone hot tub. The rooms are furnished with southwestern style furniture and plush carpeting. There is a well-appointed kitchen with microwave oven, washing machine, and a dryer.

The cave is located in a cliff face. The entrance in the middle of the cliff, 85 m above the La Plata River and 21 m below the plateau. It is reached from above on a sloping path with steps cut into the sandstone, and finally down a wooden ladder with three steps. The path requires visitors to be free from giddiness, and sturdy shoes might be a good idea too. The ascent back to the plateau requires a little fitness, because of the height difference and the high altitude with its thin air. Obviously it is an advantage to pack light for overnight stays.

The most impressive feature of the cave, beneath the luxurious furnishing, is the view. The cave entrance looks to the west and northwest, offering an unparalleled view of beautiful southwest sunsets. The Four Corners area at the meeting point of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, is a mountainous area. La Plata and San Juan Mountains, Carrizo Mountains, Ute Mountains, and the Chuska Mountains can be seen. To the west a geologic highlight is visible, Shiprock, which is the eroded remains of an old volcano looking like a stranded ship.