Mesa Verde National Park, USA
Mesa Verde National Park was founded in 1906 to preserve and explain the Ancient Puebloan people ancient history, who lived there for almost 700 years. Six hundred cliff cottages are among the nearly 5,000 archaeological monuments protected by the park. Numerous Ancestral Puebloans continued to farm the mesa tops while residing in pueblos built beneath the cliffs’ overhangs. The buildings vary in size, from storage spaces with just one room to communities with more than 150 rooms. They lived in the nooks for nearly a century, making repairs, additions, and remodels. By the end of the 1270s, the population had relocated south into Arizona and New Mexico.Â
Some of the most famous and well-preserved sites in the United States are among those that have been left behind. Mesa Verde National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 due to its remarkable historical value. A beautiful perspective of the prehistoric way of life of America’s First Peoples is preserved in the Mesa Verde National Park.
Ranger-led educational tours of the cliff dwellings are available at Mesa Verde National Park. Only Long House will be open to the public in 2021; Balcony House, Cliff Palace, and Long House can only be seen on a ranger-led tour. Starting at 7:45 a.m., you can buy tickets online two weeks in advance. Tickets sell out quickly, so be prepared!
In the summer, Thursday through Saturday, Morefield Campground offers visitors the chance to learn about various subjects by attending an evening ranger programme.
You can lead yourself on a personal, self-guided tour or a hike through the park if you miss the window for tickets or would instead wander and explore other parts of the park on your own.
THE MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK ROUTE
We advise entering the park at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, which is close by on U.S. Highway 160. Along with using a vehicle, you can use a bike or foot to explore the park. As you enter the national park, a mountain road will take you from 6,900 feet of height to 8,570 feet. Instead of rushing, take your time and drive slowly or even stop to soak in the scenery. Allow at least two hours to travel into and out of the park.
QUICK GUIDE
- Because Mesa Verde Country is in a high desert, bring extra water and wear sunblock.
- An aspect of visiting Mesa Verde National Park is hiking and occasionally scaling ladders. Make sure you are prepared, or consider visiting the mesa-top spots for breathtaking views and easier access.
- On hiking and bike paths, as well as by going there during the lovely winter off-season, you can avoid crowds at the less crowded Wetherill Mesa.
- Learn about the characteristics of the park here and keep an eye out for a variety of species, wildflowers, and more.
- It is strongly advisable to you that either schedule a seat at the pet boarding facility at Morefield Campground or find other boarding services. At the same time, you tour because dogs are not permitted in many parks, and cars heat up quickly in this climate.
- Please don’t pick up any artefacts, no matter how tempting they might be. You can only visit Mesa Verde National Park today if you follow the custom of leaving artefacts behind!
