The Ute Indian people, who called themselves "Nuche," meaning "the people," lived in a diverse land ranging from dry desert-scrub and verdant river valleys to dense forests and high mountain meadows. To survive, they needed to know where to find plants and animals, when to gather them, and what to use them for. They used plants for food, medicine, healing, and religious ceremonies, and they made everyday objects such as baskets, sandals, arrows, and cradleboards entirely or partly from plant materials. As some Ute groups began acquiring horses in the 17th century, they started moving their camps more, allowing them to find plants and animals at certain times and elevations. Though the Ute people no longer live here, their spirit and the beauty of this place endure.