photos by Stephen Eginoire

Southwest Colorado: A great place to grow beans. Dry, hot weather with minimal rainfall means certain doom for most crops, but not for these deeply rooted legumes. Able to withstand extreme desert conditions, folks have been growing and loving their high country desert beans for ages. Heres an early season glimpse into the nearby Pinto Bean Capitol of the World.

A retired truck sits just outside of Dove Creek. A retired bean field heads toward a suburban fate. An old farm relic rusts near the verdant fields of Pleasant View. Bean bags hang on a wall at the Ruins of America antique store in Pleasant View, Colorado. A local favorite: the Anasazi bean.

 

In this week's issue...

September 11, 2025
Back on top

After harrowing flying accident, local highliner steps back out with renewed mission
 

September 11, 2025
New order

Rule change for Land and Water Conservation Fund raises alarms

September 4, 2025
Armed with knowledge

Local community organizers work to ensure immigrant neighbors know their rights