Colorado's Unique National Park Boasts Scenic And Well-Preserved Historic Sights

The United States is home to 26 World Heritage Sites. One of them captures at least 700 years of human history within the 5,000 individual archeological sites in its borders. While there are many chances to study human history within Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, it's the unique cliff dwellings here that last housed human inhabitants in the 13th century that get most of the attention.

Located in the southwest corner of Colorado about 130 miles southeast of Moab, Utah, and 250 miles to the northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Mesa Verde is not always easily accessible. In fact, travelers have ranked the drive to the popular cliff dwellings from the visitors center among the scariest drives within U.S. National Parks. But the scenic landscape and the chance to explore Native American history reaching back centuries can certainly be worth the drive with proper planning.

Mesa Verde (Spanish for Green Table) gets its name from the large table-like rock formations that have been carved by stream erosion over the millennia and the green vegetation that has adapted to the climate. The park covers more than 80 square miles and is home to a number of species. Among the most common animals here are elk and smaller mammals. However, visitors are reminded to be on the lookout for more dangerous animals like snakes and mountain lions. The park is also home to over 50 wild horses which migrate in and out of Mesa Verde on a regular basis.

Of the 5,000 archeological sites in Mesa Verde, 600 of them are cliff dwellings left behind by native people. A majority are built into the canyon walls, and can be viewed from a distance and are open for tourists on ranger-guided tours. More than 30 miles of hiking trails offer access to these historic locales, and the views themselves are worth the trip.

The trails within the park offer different experiences and require different levels of skill and planning. A full guide to trails is available on the Mesa Verde website, which also offers tips and specific directions. It is illegal to stray from the predetermined hiking trails at Mesa Verde and both smoking and pets are not allowed. In the winter months the trails are prepared for snowshoeing and skiing.

Point Lookout Trail offers some spectacular views of the region and is one of the closest to Mesa Verde's park entrance. Hikers who take the trail for about a mile will find themselves atop a geological formation that is 400 feet above the park's entrance. The most popular trail in the park is the Petroglyph Point Trail, which is 2.5-miles-long and takes hikers past ancient petroglyphs that include handprints and paintings of animals. However, these trails are just some of many such locations in Mesa Verde, and visitors are reminded to always bring water and snacks with them as the midday heat can be intense. Clothing choice is also important, and there are some items you should avoid wearing, no matter where you hike.

Mesa Verde National Park is open year round and no reservations are needed to enter the park. Daily hours vary depending on the season and it's recommended to make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas before entering. The park is very large and the closest cliff dwelling site is a 45-minute drive from the entrance.

Beginning in May, Mesa Verde park rangers lead guided tours of the cliff dwellings. Between May and September, the park offers a popular Wednesday night stargazing event featuring a park ranger talk that highlights the visible celestial bodies. Consider these unspoken rules of stargazing to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience. In the fall, temperatures are cooler but guided tours are sparse. This is the time of year most ideal for self-guided tour through the park.

There are several options for guests wishing to spend the night in Mesa Verde. Campgrounds are open May to September and the Far View Lodge offers a variety of rooms and can be found in the middle of the park. The nearby towns of Cortez and Mancos also offer hotels and inns for convenient nearby stays. Whatever the reason for visiting Mesa Verde National Park, it is important to remember that it's a massive archeological site and to respect the historic and cultural heritage of the location throughout your visit.