Mesa Verde

You must see the stunning beauty of the cliff houses of Mesa Verde National Park when travelling through the Colorado Plateau. The unique geology of Mesa Verde, which is actually a questa (a sloping mesa), forms the alcoves under which Pueblo peoples built castles overlooking steep canyons. Short hikes provide close up looks at the sophisticated architecture and an opportunity to learn how people made a thriving life here in a harsh and arid environment.

Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park
Cliff Palace

Guided ranger tours are an excellent way to experience the magnificent cliff dwellings. Be sure to purchase tickets before you enter the park at the visitor center at the main entrance. The main tours are of Cliff Palace, Long House, and Balcony House. Majestic Cliff Palace is the largest with 150 rooms. The short tour is the most popular, and includes a few steep stair steps and short ladders. Long House is slightly smaller, more remote from the main park area, and also has 150 rooms.

Balcony House at Mesa Verde National Park
Balcony House

Balcony House is our favorite tour. It is a more intimate tour to an incredible 40 room cliff dwelling with a balcony overlooking scenic Soda Canyon. It has fine masonry and an well preserved kiva ceremonial room. Beware, a climb up a 32 foot ladder and a squeeze through a sandstone tunnel is required to enter the cliff dwelling!

Balcony House ceremonial kiva at Mesa Verde National Park
Kiva at Balcony House

Maximize your time in Mesa Verde by camping in the Juniper trees at the park's fun Morefield Campground. Reserve online, or walk in, as spots are usually available, and the campground rarely fills even on holiday weekends.

Before you go, learn more about the Mesa Verde:

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