Mesa Verde National Park

Colorado’s got way more to offer than scenic mountain vistas. A few hours southwest of Denver, Mesa Verde National Park holds some of the most well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan ruins in the nation -- ancient secrets on display for anybody willing to make the journey. At over 52,000 acres in size, the park preserves more than 4,300 archeological sites and over 600 cliff dwellings, perhaps the best-known (and most-photographed) of which is Cliff Palace, thought to be the largest such dwelling on the continent. Designated a national park by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, the park also holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and has been the site of human inhabitation since approximately 7500 BC.

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park displays characteristic high desert weather patterns: a dry, relatively temperate climate, punctuated by violent thunderstorms during the summer monsoon season. Although average high temperatures hover in the 40-degree range in winter, snow storms can occur -- and often do as late as May and as early as October. Always check the park’s official weather page as well as the local forecast before you head out on your adventure.

Although it’s in quite a remote location, Mesa Verde National Park is in proximity to a number of small southwestern Colorado towns that offer basic facilities as well as fun cultural events and exhibits. Cortez, a community of about 8,500 inhabitants, lies 10 miles from the park entrance and offers a wide array of sights, services, and restaurants. The smaller village of Mancos is also nearby, and the relatively large city of Durango is 36 miles east, an easy drive that can be done in less than an hour.

Mesa Verde’s chief attraction is its unparalleled collection of archeological sites, which visitors can explore from its well-maintained network of hiking trails. However, for those seeking a deeper understanding of the location’s history and significance, the Park Service hosts a range of guided tours as well as ranger-led events, including a vibrant Four Corners Lecture Series. For the latest details on what’s going on at Mesa Verde, check the park’s official calendar page.