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Places in Colorado where the solstice comes alive

Posted at 10:57 PM, Jun 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-20 16:09:08-04

DENVER – Tuesday is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. But did you know Colorado has special places that mark the solstice and equinox?

At Chimney Rock National Monument, there are several sun alignments that are believed to be important to the ancient residents who built temples and kivas there.

On the equinox, in the spring and summer, markings in Crack Cave in southern Colorado light up for just a few minutes. It's believed these marking were carved into the rock more than 1,000 years ago.

The cave is locked to prevent vandalism. It is only opened on the equinox in the spring and fall. For more information on when the cave will be open, contact the Springfield office of the Commache National Grassland at 719-523-6591. 

And there are reports that the Sun Temple at Mesa Verde National Park aligns with the setting sun on Winter Solstice.