Colorado National Parks: Mesa Verde National Park

| Sep 17, 2018 | Uncategorized

 

Though Denver itself gets a great deal of attention, residents should absolutely take advantage of incredible natural beauty throughout Colorado. Located about 7 hours southwest of Denver, Mesa Verde National Park is a truly fascinating park to explore. It’s most famous for the ancient cliff dwellings that were created and inhabited by the Pueblo peoples. These impressive cliffside villages give a glimpse into the past and attract history buffs and visitors of all kinds. For those looking to get some fresh air, the park also includes a vast amount of protected wilderness with plenty of opportunity for outdoor activity.

 

Getting there

The journey from Denver to Mesa Verde National Park is more of a road trip than a day trip. You could drive the 7.5 hours in a single day, but it’s smarter to make the most of your trip by splitting it up. I’d recommend taking Highway 285 South, stopping for lunch in Buena Vista, connecting to 160 West, and spending an overnight in Pagosa Springs. This small town takes about 5 hours to get to and gives you the opportunity to soak in amazing mineral waters. When you do arrive at the park, make your first stop the Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center near the park entrance.

 

Park overview and history

Mesa Verde in Montezuma County is not only a National Park, but it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 52,074-Acre park was established as a National Park by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, and the historic cliff dwellings here date back to AD 550. There are over 5,000 archeological sites in the park, including 600 Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Visitors today can get an up-close look at these beautifully preserved villages nestled within the cliff-rock alcoves, 2,000 feet above Montezuma Valley.

 

Activities

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum:

In the museum, you can get a sense of the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people through an orientation film, artifacts, and dioramas. It’s definitely worth checking out before setting off on a tour.

 

Guided tours:

Tickets for guided tours are required for many of the top sites in the park, so make sure to book yours at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center before driving out to the sites. These include the Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House. There are other sites to visit at no cost, including self-guided tours to the Step House and the Far View Sites. Be aware that many tours are strenuous and may require climbing.

 

Hiking and bicycle trails:

For visitors looking to raise their heart rates, there are several trails to explore by foot or bicycle. Some recommended trails are the Prater Ridge Trail at Morefield, the Badger House Community Trail, Spruce Canyon, and the Long House Loop, which overlooks some of the cliff dwellings. Be sure to request a trail guide before setting out on your adventure.

 

Camping:

For a convenient way to stay on-site and explore for multiple days, consider camping at the Morefield Campground and Village. This is very family-friendly and has plenty of amenities. Backpacking in Mesa Verde isn’t permitted due to the preservation of the archeological sites.

 

Scenic drives:

For those who don’t want to hike to the cliff dwelling sites, there are plenty of great viewpoints on roadway overlooks. There are a few scenic drives to experience here, including the Cliff Palace Loop and Long House Loop. By far, the most popular drive is the Mesa Top Loop. It begins about twenty miles beyond the Visitor Center and includes six stunning stops with viewpoints of cliff dwellings and surface dwellings. It’s a 6 miles loop, and I’d recommend setting aside about 2 hours to be able to stop and take your time. This scenic drive is open until sunset.

 

If you’re prepared to absorb the history of some of America’s most well-preserved and fascinating cultural heritage, head to Mesa Verde National Park. It’s a great experience to enjoy the past and present beauty of Colorado, and this park will not disappoint.