If you love learning about ancient archeological history and culture in the United States deserts, you will love this national treasure! The cliff palaces, tools, pottery, farming practices, family life, and topography of Mesa Verde National Park will amaze you and spark your curiosity to discover and learn more.
Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwest Colorado. Follow Yvonne’s insider tips to get the most out of your visit.
Exploring the Park:
- Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and Research Center is so interesting with exhibits, a bookstore, and an introductory movie about the culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Park rangers are very enthusiastic about helping you plan your visit.
- Take a Guided Park Ranger Tour to Learn About Impressive Ancient Dwellings. Visit the cliff dwellings, Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House. It is believed that 100-120 early Puebloans lived at Cliff Palace. Visit Step House on Wetherill Mesa, a 12-mile road leading to overlooks and fascinating archeological sites.
- Spruce Tree House is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings and the park’s third-largest
- Drive the Mesa Top Loop Road. Short paved walking trails lead to captivating architecture featuring Pithouses and Early Pueblo Villages dating back as early as A.D. 700-950 and Sun Point View A.D. 1200-1300.
- Petroglyph Point and Spruce Canyon Trail – This loop trail leads to a petroglyph panel through scenic wildlife habitat.
- Far View Sites – Take this self-guided tour with interpretive signs illustrating mesa-top farming communities with a reservoir.
- Nordenskiold – This is another self-guided trail to a cliff-dwelling overlook.
Enjoy your experience and share your photos with us on Instagram @one_planet_life. Download the One Planet Life app to earn points for your nature journey.
Interested in learning more about other National Parks? Get our Insider Tips for these parks:
