Nestled in the rugged terrain of southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Native American people who once inhabited the region. This captivating park covers over 50,000 acres full of dramatic cliffs, deep canyons, and remarkably preserved cliff dwellings. We were excited to make a stop here on our way from Carlsbad Caverns up to Moab, Utah, with our friends Steve and Joan.
As we drove into Colorado, we immediately noticed the flat-topped mountains in the distance. Mesa Verde is Spanish for “green table” which accurately describes the lush, forested plateaus that cover the landscape. Our campground, Mesa Verde RV Resort, was located conveniently less than a mile from the park entrance.
Mesa Verde Visitor Center:
As we usually do, we began our exploration at the Visitor and Research Center located right past the park entrance. Helpful rangers here provide maps, information on guided tours, and insights into the park’s history. We also browsed the bookstore, and of course, got my passport book stamped.
Exploring the center’s exhibits gave us an introduction to the Ancestral Puebloan culture and the park’s archaeological wonders. We learned that the Pueblo people originally lived on top of the mesa for 600 years before they began building structures underneath the overhanging cliffs. The Far View Sites area is a great place to gain an insight into the daily lives of this community through the exploration of their pit houses, kivas, and farming terraces.
Stunning Overlooks at Mesa Verde:
The Far View Sites location is along the main park road. This steep, narrow road winds from 6900 feet to 8670 feet in elevation and extends 21 miles from the park entrance to the cliff dwellings area. The scenic drive has numerous pull-outs where you can stop for pictures and take in impressive views from the overlook areas.
Amazing Cliff Dwellings:
At the end of the main road, you come to Mesa Top Loop which holds many of the main attractions in the Chapin Mesa area. Along this 6-mile loop you can stop to see some of the largest and best preserved cliff dwellings. It is thought that the Ancestral Puebloans moved from above ground to build their homes in these alcoves for protection from invaders and weather.
Unfortunately, we were there in early May before the tour season began so we had to view them from afar. Next time we will plan a trip between late May and September when we can take a ranger-guided tour into these amazing structures to see them up close. Note: Another section of the park called Wetherill Mesa is closed for 2023 and possibly 2024 for two major construction projects. Don’t worry, though, there is still plenty to see even without this area!
Spruce Tree House:
Cliff Palace:
Balcony House:
Hiking Fun at Mesa Verde:
We did several hikes in the Chapin Mesa area. Our favorite hike was the 2.4 mile Petroglyph Point Trail. Along the way to the petroglyph panels we had stunning views along the top of Spruce and Navajo Canyons. The nearby Spruce Canyon trail is another 2.4 mile route that took us along the bottom of the canyon for a totally different view.
It’s still a mystery as to why the Ancestral Puebloans suddenly left their cliff dwellings around 1300 AD. Scientists believe they migrated south to Arizona and New Mexico where food and rain were more plentiful, but there are no written records to know for sure. Even so, we really enjoyed the chance to marvel at their remarkable architecture, connect with the past, and admire the stunning natural landscapes that abound in Mesa Verde National Park.
Love your blog! I follow others, but yours is so interesting every time. We just sold our house and are getting ready to travel!
Hi Tammy! Thanks so much for following along with us. I am excited for you to begin your travels–there is so much to see and enjoy out there. I’d love to hear about your first trip.
Bruce and I were there many years ago. You described everything so beautifully, Robin. Your blog brought back fond memories. Thank you. Sweet travels!
Hi Pam, I’m glad you and Bruce were able to visit Mesa Verde. We really enjoyed seeing the cliff dwellings and beautiful scenery there. Even though my family lives in Colorado, I had never been to that part of the state before so it was a fun trip.
This is great park! It will always hold a special place in my heart, it’s where I fell in love with Colorado (and the West) on our first western road trip almost 20 years ago!
We love Colorado and the West–so many beautiful places and scenery! We’ve been to about half of the national parks now and Mesa Verde is very unique. We enjoyed learning about the people who once lived there and seeing the amazing cliff dwellings they lived in.
Those cliff dwellings are so unique and interesting. The views from the hiking trails are spectacular to see. You and Mike look great in all our pics too. Great post! 🙂
The detail on the dwellings is so amazing and I was especially impressed by how they were able to fit so much under the hanging cliffs. It was very interesting learning about the ancient people that lived there. Hiking is helping to keep us in shape😊.