by Mike Rosso
Along the Quartz Creek Valley, between Parlin and Ohio City in Gunnison County, just off County Road 76, is a large rock formation that resembles a Native American profile.
Members of the Ute Tribe were thought to be the first to travel along Quartz Creek, eventually followed by ranchers, miners, and then tourists.
Back in 1976, Gunnison County commissioners designated the road as County Road 76 in commemoration of the nation’s bicentennial and Colorado’s centennial. A sign on the road points to the formation.
To get there, take U.S. Hwy. 50 to Parlin and head north toward Pitkin.
