Mesa Verde National Park – Vacation Memories Forever

Mesa Verde National Park sits just south of Durango, in southwestern Colorado. It is best known for its well preserved ancestral Pueblan cliff dwellings, particularly the huge Cliff Palace. The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum features many exhibits on the ancient Native American lifestyle. Mesa Top View Road winds around historic sites, including the spectacular Sunlight Overlook and Petroglyph Point Trail that offers scenic canyon views.

Mesa Verde National Park also has some great hiking trails. In fact, it is one of the best hiking regions within the United States. You can backpack along the Rim Mountains or hike the famous Crystal Cone Trail. For an even better adventure, take your family to Grand Canyon National Park, or explore the vast network of trails in the San Miguel National Forest.

Your family is sure to appreciate the lush greenery of the surrounding natural beauty. The National Park features a beautiful meadow. At the end of this meadow, you will find a spectacular bird sanctuary. A good reason to visit this serene area is the availability of playgrounds. The playgrounds are separated by marked lines, which makes it easy to tell where the playgrounds begin and end.

Another reason to visit this park is the spectacular view of the mountains from the deep woods. The temperature is mild year round, making it a wonderful place to ski or snowboard. When you want to get up close to nature, stop by the Bluff Mountain and South Rim Fire Lookout. You can admire the majestic vistas from the highest point in the world. If you would rather do something active during your visit, there are numerous hiking paths through the park. This allows the whole family to get in some hiking time, as well as take a few minutes to admire the wildflowers blooming throughout the valley.

To avoid being short changed when it comes to finding the perfect vacation home, make sure that you visit the Mesa Verde National Park.

This scenic area has plenty to offer you and your family. Do not waste any more time avoiding this unique part of the United States. Stop wasting time with vacation home choices that are out of your price range. Instead, give mesa a chance and experience everything it has to offer.

Accommodations:

Mesa Verde National Park has two campgrounds, Morefield Campground and Mesa Verde RV Resort. Morefield Campground offers tent and RV sites, as well as cabins and tipis for rent. Mesa Verde RV Resort offers full hookups for RVs and is located just outside the park.

For those who prefer more comfortable accommodations, there are several hotels located in the nearby town of Cortez, Colorado. The Far View Lodge is located within the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Activities:

Mesa Verde National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including hiking, guided tours, and stargazing. Here are some of the most popular activities in the park:

• Cliff Dwelling Tours: Mesa Verde National Park is home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Visitors can take guided tours of these ancient dwellings, which were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people over 700 years ago.
• Mesa Top Tours: These guided tours explore the mesa top sites, where the Ancestral Pueblo people lived before moving into the cliff dwellings.
• Ranger-led Programs: The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, evening programs, and stargazing events.
• Hiking: Mesa Verde National Park has over 80 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Some of the most popular trails include the Petroglyph Point Trail and the Spruce Tree House Trail.

Sights to See:

Mesa Verde National Park is full of stunning natural beauty and unique landmarks. Here are some of the must-see sights in the park:

• Cliff Palace: This is the largest cliff dwelling in North America, with over 150 rooms and 23 kivas. Visitors can take guided tours of this incredible structure.
• Balcony House: This cliff dwelling is one of the most well-preserved in the park, with original timbers and plaster still visible. Visitors must climb a 32-foot ladder and crawl through a tunnel to reach the site.
• Spruce Tree House: This cliff dwelling is located near the park entrance and is the third-largest in the park. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the site.
• Far View Sites: These mesa top sites offer a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people before they moved into the cliff dwellings. Visitors can take guided tours of these sites.

Tips for Visiting Mesa Verde National Park:

• Plan ahead: Mesa Verde National Park is a popular destination, so it’s important to plan ahead and make reservations for accommodations and activities.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The park has several hiking trails that require sturdy shoes and plenty of water.
• Stay hydrated: The park is located at high elevation, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
• Respect the history: The cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park are over 700 years old, so it’s important to respect these historic structures and follow all park rules and regulations.