HISTORY OF AN ANCIENT PEOPLE, THE PUEBLO
WHAT TO DO IN MESA VERDE? MY JOURNEY
Mesa Verde National Park is included in the “America the Beautiful” pass. Once in the park, most visits are accessible by car.
MESA TOP LOOP
Mesa Top Loop
Mesa Top Loop
Mesa Top Loop
Once you arrive in the park, go to the Visitor Center so you can download the audio to listen to during this visit. The Mesa Top Loop is a drive-through route with audio. You have many explanations about the Pueblo people, how they lived before and their dwellings. There are 11 possible stops along the way, and each time you can stop next to the viewpoint. The visit in total lasted 1h30. We see many archaeological sites near and far, including these famous dwellings in the cliffs. It’s amazing to see all of this! Especially when you know that the people lived there for 700 years. Obviously, there are still some details that remain mysterious but we have the main lines and some assumptions. This is for me one of the best visits to the site (the guided tours being closed when I was there). Starting with this visit gives you a good overview of what you will see later in the park.
VISIT HOUSES
Cliff house
Ruin of a house
Cliff house
During my visit, I was not able to see the well-known dwellings in the cliffs. So unfortunately I can’t say more. But what I do know is that most are guided tours, and it is better to book in advance. Click here to access reservations.
On the other hand, there is a house that you can visit alone, it is the Step House. A ranger is there, and if he is available, he will be happy to answer all your questions. The visit is short, in about thirty minutes you have done the tour. But it gives you a good insight into how they lived back then, and you can wander around the houses and ruins. We are better aware of life in these cliffs.
OTHER HIKES IN THE PARK
Park Point Overlook
Park Point Overlook
Badger House Community Trail
The Pueblo people lived in the cliffs, but also on the hills. The one-hour Far View Sites hike takes you around these ruins, old houses, an old reservoir. There are some explanatory panels on the place and the functionality of the places. A very interesting hike.
I also did the Badger House Community Trail hike which took about 2 hours. On the hike, we have some views of ruins and dwellings in the cliffs. This hike is nice to do. You have different short hikes available in the park. Feel free to go to the Visitor Center and ask a ranger for advice.
And finally, it’s not a hike but a point of view not to be missed, the Park Point Overlook which offers one of the most beautiful views of Mesa Verde National Park.
Mesa Verde is a very different national park from what I have seen so far. To see dwellings built into cliffs is just impressive to see. During the visit, we learn more about the Pueblo people and how they lived. A very interesting visit.
WHEN TO GO?
I was in Mesa Verde National Park around mid-June and the weather was great.
| Jan | Feb | March | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OK | OK | OK | OK |
HOW LONG?
One day is enough to do the main activities of the place. A second day will allow you to do everything but it can be redundant.
WHERE TO SLEEP? MY ACCOMMODATION
MOREFIELD CAMPGROUND
Mile Marker 4 U.S. 160, Mesa Verde National Park,
CO 81330, USA
Price: $38 – €36,50 / night for a tent spot
Click here to book a night.
The campground is located in Mesa Verde National Park. It has everything you need, a store, showers, toilets, laundry. A very good value for money.
MY 3 TIPS TO VISIT MESA VERDE
- Download the audio available at the Visitor Center to do the Mesa Loop Trail. There are panels but the audio gives much more detail.
- If you are doing the Mesa Loop trail, try to do it before the guided cliff tours begin. This way you can admire the houses without anyone inside.
- Book your guided tours in advance if you go in high season. Places are going fast.
