Boulder, Utah (population 225) is situated among some of the most awesome features of the natural world in North America, including nearby Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park and Capital Reef. Boulder is 28 miles northeast of the town of Escalante; 82 miles southeast of Hanksville and the Canyonlands National Park; 186 miles from Arches National Park; and 247 miles from Salt Lake City.

Boulder is located at the top of the map below:

In 1875, Professor Almon Thompson of the second Powell expedition named Boulder after the nearby mountain, which is part of the Aquarius Plateau. Cattle ranching began in 1879. A five-hour drive north of Page, Arizona, Boulder remained isolated, except for pack trains and horses, until the Civilian Conservation Corps built a road that could be used by wagons and automobiles.

The approach to Boulder is across mile upon mile of barren canyon ridgelines. Finally, far below, one can begin to see the edge of a long flat valley that contains the ranching and farm community of Boulder. From the last high point above Boulder, before descending, the community presents itself. Sandstone ridges mark the edges of the long valley.

The Boulder, Utah Post Office, serving 225 residents.

In a quietly spectacular manner, Boulder is very, very removed from contemporary America, and therefore, an ideal location for student self-reflection, among its many other unique characteristics.

Within the town of Boulder is the Anasazi Indian State Park and Museum, with traces of the largest Anasazi village west of the Colorado River. A small portion of the village has been excavated and is available for study. New digs are scheduled.

Don Montoya, with interns, is of Taos origins. He spent over 20 years in the high tech industry, acquired a masters in anthropology, and now heads the Anasazi Indian State Park and Museum in Boulder, which has excellent research facilities.

Along nearby Calf Creek there is much evidence of a cluster of ancient settlements. Looking carefully at the bottom of the far canyon wall, one can just make out one of the most extraordinary and symbolically powerful pictographs in Fremont rock art.

The Hampshire visit was an important experience for all parties and helped crystalize the ethos of The Bellows Institute. It was also an excellent opportunity to determine the effectiveness of the Patagonia facilities and to make appropriate modifications in their use.

(Click once on photographs to enlarge)

The Spirit Tree Inn, location of Patagonia facilities.

The 53-acre Spirit Tree Inn, three miles south of Patagonia, has a capacity of 25, two classrooms and a wireless Internet connection


Visiting students, faculty and administrators of Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts at the Spirit Tree Inn—-October 6-16th, 2005.


The Patagonia facilities includes a 4,500 square foot space in the center of Patagonia to enable students and faculty to work on projects including community service, economic development, and civic engagement activities.

The facilities include an in-town space with a meeting area that is equipped with a 35″ TV with DVD, as well as a wireless Internet connection.

The facilities also include a comfortable faculty compound that sleeps up to five, located in the center of town, and facing the town common. This facility also is equipped with a wireless Internet connection.

The faculty compound will soon include this casita in back of the cottage with one bedroom and bath.

The Patagonia facilities include a 14-passenger van and a 9-passenger GMC Suburban.

As well as a utility aircraft for maintaining contact during long treks.

To handle the anticipated need for more student housing, the first yurt was purchase. Visiting Hampshire students plunged into the assembly process.

A huddle as the assembly process grew more complex.

Everyone was in quiet awe as the yurt began to make its presence felt.

The finished yurt is 20 feet in diameter and can house five students comfortably. Standing guard is Mandrake, the Center’s mascot.