Mesa Verde is known for a variety of reasons. First, it is home to the Mesa Verde National Park, which is a popular tourist destination. The park is known for its cliff dwellings, which are some of the best-preserved in the world. Visitors to the park can also enjoy hiking, camping, and picnicking.
In addition to the national park, Mesa Verde is also home to a number of other tourist attractions. The Mesa Verde Museum and Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the area's history and culture. The town of Cortez is also nearby, and it offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and other businesses.
1. Visit Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is a popular destination for visitors to southwestern Colorado. The park is located in the Four Corners region and encompasses over 800,000 acres. The park is home to over a thousand archaeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace and Pueblo Bonito. The park is also known for its spectacular natural landscapes, including soaring red rock cliffs, deep canyons, and mesa tops. The park is open from early May to early October, and visitors can expect to encounter heavy traffic and crowded conditions during peak season.
2. Take a tour of Mesa Verde
If you visit Mesa Verde in the early morning or in the evening, you will see fewer people. If you visit in the middle of the day, you will see more people.
3. Hike in Mesa Verde
When hiking in Mesa Verde, expect an amazing view of the ancient cliff dwellings. You may also encounter wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and even elk. The hike is strenuous, but the payoff is worth it.
4. Visit the Mesa Verde Visitor Center
The Mesa Verde Visitor Center is a visitor center located in the park. It contains exhibits about the history of the park, as well as information about the various trails in the park. There is also a store where visitors can buy food and souvenirs.
5. Take a ranger-led tour of Mesa Verde
The ranger-led tour can last from 3-5 hours and will take you to some of the most popular sites at Mesa Verde. You will see some of the most iconic rock formations in the park and learn about their history and how they were formed.
6. Go camping in Mesa Verde
Camping in Mesa Verde can be interesting and exciting. You will likely hike or bike to your campsite, and you may see a wide variety of wildlife. The campsites can be spacious and private, or close to other people. You may also be able to see ancient cliff dwellings, or go on a hike to see some of the more famous sites.
7. Visit the Mesa Verde Museum
The Mesa Verde Museum is located in Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado. The museum showcases the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived in the area from about A.D. 700 to 1300. The exhibits include displays on the history of the park, the cliff dwellings, and the art of the Puebloan people. There are also displays on the natural resources of the area, including rock paintings and petroglyphs. The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from mid-June to early October, and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from early October to mid-June. Admission is free.
8. Take a hike to Cliff Palace
Take a hike to Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde is a moderately strenuous hike that leads hikers up to the top of a cliff. A few hundred feet from the summit, hikers will be able to see the impressive Cliff Palace ruins.
9. Take a hike to Balcony House
When you arrive at Balcony House, you'll find a parking lot and a hiking trail. The trail leads you to a beautiful overlook of the mesa. At the overlook, you'll find a picnic area with benches and a view of the mesa. The grounds of Balcony House also include a garden, a pond, and a creek. There's also a playground for the children.
10. Take a hike to the Mesa Top Loop
The Mesa Top Loop is a short hike that leads to the top of Mesa Verde. At the top, you'll find a beautiful view of the surrounding area. You'll also find a few benches to sit on and take in the scenery.