Try to imagine what life was like 1,400 years ago for the Ancestral Puebloan people, who lived in the abodes carved into the cliffs along the range. That mental image is clearer with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, where archaic culture is celebrated and preserved. Start at the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum to see a range of objects, dioramas and exhibits. Drive six miles on the Mesa Top Loop Road, stopping to see several addresses – at an elevation of 2,134 meters – and other places like the Petroglyph Point Trail for rock carving, and the Sun Point Overlook for a perfect view of the canyon.
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| Mesa Verde National Park |
Mesa Verde offers an intriguing glimpse into the lives of the ancient Pueblo peoples who lived in southwest Colorado for over 700 years. The park contains more than 4,000 undiscovered archaeological sites, including cliff dwellings, masonry towers and pueblos, which are some of the most remarkable and best preserved in the US.
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| Mesa Verde National Park |
To better understand the importance of these ancient sites, join a tour. Year-round, park rangers offer guided walks around the ruins and an in-depth look at the way people lived hundreds of years ago. Mesa Verde National Park also includes hiking trails, many of which lead to scenic lookouts, where you'll have fantastic views of the desert landscape. In winter, you can take advantage of these trails for cross-country skiing.