Mesa Verde National Park protects over 5,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwelling, of the Ancestral Pueblo people and are some of the most notable in the United States. The park sits in Colorado and includes more than 40 miles of roads to explore this important historical and cultural heritage.
We spent two nights in the park and explored as much as we could on our road trip from Colorado Springs back to Washington State. What a whirlwind!
I can’t tell you how much I love visiting old ruins and feeling connected somehow to those who came before us. To take advantage of our time there, we signed up for all the tours we could like Cliff Palace, Balcony House and Long House and did some self guided ones, like Far View and Nordenskiold’s, as well.
Getting up early before the day became too hot was key to keeping everyone in a good mood.
We, also, had time in the early morning hours to hike out on the Prater Trail loop that started by the campground in the park where we stayed where you first come into the national park. There were showers, a gas station and a gift shop where we were able to pick up ice and snacks for staying cool.
We loved exploring the centuries old structures and learning about the first people who called them home. Seeing the paintings, handprints worn into weathered rock and marveling at how they were able to live in such a harsh environment. We even ran into a wild horse on our hike!
My boyfriend also enjoyed looking for the burn area that he helped fight back in his college days. He even has a bit of his own history in the park!
The drive to the different areas was long at times but with a little planning it was worth it and very scenic. You just have to adjust to a slower pace and allow time to stop at the viewpoints along the way. And make sure you pack snacks and cold drinks to keep everyone happy!
There are various sites to help with your planning, such as Mesaverde.com and the NPS. I suggest if you want to take tours, make your reservations when you first arrive before even setting up camp. That way, you are more likely to get early morning tours in the cool of the day. Check out the park maps and plot out the places you want to see. Give yourself plenty of extra time for getting from one place to another. Mesa Verde doesn’t have near the traffic of say, Yellowstone, but the sites are spread out.
For more of the national parks, hikes and other stops on our road trip through Utah and Colorado, visit my page Beyond The PNW!
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