Mesa Verde National Park - Colorado

Located in the heart of Montezuma County, Colorado, lies Mesa Verde National Park, a place where whispers of the past echo through ancient cliff dwellings. Read More...

Encompassing over 81 square miles, this park is the largest archaeological preserve in the United States, safeguarding a treasure trove of Ancestral Puebloan history.

The Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the cliff dwellers, thrived in Mesa Verde between 600 and 1300 AD. Their story is etched in the very landscape, with over 600 cliff dwellings and 4,000 archaeological sites scattered across the mesas. A visit to Mesa Verde offers a glimpse into their ingenious way of life, a fascinating chapter in human history.

The park's name, Mesa Verde, translates to "green table" in Spanish. These verdant mesas were once home to thriving communities where the Ancestral Puebloans practiced agriculture, primarily cultivating corn and hunting for sustenance. Today, visitors can marvel at these mesas, their beauty intertwined with the captivating ruins that stand as testaments to a bygone era.

One of Mesa Verde's most iconic structures is Balcony House, a cliff dwelling boasting 45 rooms and 2 kivas, ceremonial chambers used for religious purposes. Imagine the experience of entering this ancient dwelling, climbing a 32-foot ladder, and crawling through a 12-foot tunnel, a portal into the lives of those who came before. Beyond Balcony House, Mesa Verde offers a wealth of other ruins to explore multi-storied villages, intricate reservoirs, and watchtowers that stand sentinel over the landscape.

Mesa Verde National Park caters to all types of visitors. Embark on a ranger-led tour for a deeper understanding of the Ancestral Puebloan culture, or explore the park independently, following designated trails that weave through the mesas and past ancient dwellings. For a truly immersive experience, consider participating in a Junior Ranger program, where kids can learn about the park's history through interactive activities.

Mesa Verde National Park is more than just a collection of ruins. It's a place where the past comes alive, inviting you to connect with a bygone era. So, pack your sense of wonder, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to embark on a journey through time in this awe-inspiring national park.