Mesa Verde National Park is absolutely spectacular! I don't think any of us expected to experience what was saw and we learned a lot about the native people in the area. Mesa Verde NP is the only national park that specifically protects the heritage and history of a people group in the United States. As the ranger who guided us on our tour of Cliff Palace told us, when you're here, you are stepping into someone's home, a home that is more recent than you might think!
Visitor Center and Overlooks
The first day of our trip to Mesa Verde was spent driving around the park and planning out the next day. There are currently only two dwellings you can tour, Cliff Palace and Balcony House. We did not tour Balcony House since it was a bit treacherous for our kids but we were able to get some great pictures and watch people tour it from the other side of the mesa. It is really NOT for the feint of heart.
Cliff Palace
Cliff Palace is more accessible than Balcony House, and our boys did a great job navigating the landscape. While you don't get to explore deep into the ruins, you do get up close and personal, and the ranger who guides you is wonderfully knowledgeable.
Far View Sites
On the top of the mesa are the far view sites. They're designed very similar to the cliff dwellings but were likely more exposed, which prompted the Ute to move into the cliffs.
Mesa Top Loop
Another great experience is driving the road on the top of the mesa which offers a number of viewpoints.
Up Next
We're headed to Moab, Utah for a few days! We'll soak up the sun and enjoy cool nights and some really cool adventures.
