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Peering carefully over the edge of a steep desert canyon, you see them:
buildings as high as many in use today, clinging to or chiseled out of the rock
walls below. At first you see only broken lines of stone, circular
amphitheater-like enclosures and wide passageways — then, in an instant, all
before you transforms. Suddenly there are people, brightly clad, busy and
contented, bustling along within what are clearly streets, homes, and gathering
places. These canyons are not just precipitous faces of sandy rock; they are a
portal to human history.
Around 14 centuries ago, the nomadic Anasazi people chose to settle down and
build permanent homes near their planted crops. As the tribe prospered, members
migrated outward to build "cliff dwellings" in a variety of locations
— Mesa Verde chief among them. From this network of cities, Anasazi culture
flourished for hundreds of years. Then, approximately 400 to 500 years ago, the
Anasazi vanished suddenly and mysteriously.
Today, Mesa Verde is one of the premier archaeological preserves in the U.S.
park system and a walk-in time machine. Strolling among these once-thriving
settlements will transport you to another world.
Hike amid
Petroglyphs
Mesa Verde is first and foremost an archaeological preserve, which means that
access to the park's natural resources is restricted out of consideration for
its many ruins. All hiking within the park is restricted to six marked and paved
trails, which range from one to nearly seven miles in length: Knife Edge
Trail, Prater Ridge Trail, Point Lookout Trail, Spruce
Canyon Trail, Farming Terraces, and Petroglyph Point Hike.
These hikes, however short, can be steep and strenuous. If you don't have the
time or the energy to try them all, try the trail to Petroglyph Point — its
Anasazi petroglyphs and big views best capture the spirit of the park.
Bike
Anasazi Country
Southwestern Colorado has some of the best and most scenic mountain biking in
the United States. But within the park, biking is permitted on paved roads only
(and there are no designated bike lanes, so watch for cars and use caution). If
you're determined to ride off-road Anasazi territory, try contacting the Ute
Mountain Tribal Park (800-847-5485). The park, which sprawls across 125,000
acres just southeast of Mesa Verde, offers guided one- to four-day mountain
biking trips.
Camp with
the Critters
Mesa Verde's Morefield Campground is the only one available in the park,
but you won't mind not having a choice — Morefield is undoubtedly one of the
largest and most enjoyable campgrounds in the entire national parks system.
Located four miles from the park entrance, the campground has 400 sites
available on a first-come first-served basis. Rangers deliver nightly
presentations in the large amphitheater located in the upper portion of the
campground. Be sure to safely stow away food before settling in for the night
— Mesa Verde's most brazen animal residents love to visit the campground.
Ski the
Sights
When conditions are right, the best way to see Mesa Verde's ruins is on
cross-country skis. Except for the five-mile entrance road to the Far View
Visitor's Center, no roads within the park are plowed in the winter, and all are
wide-open to skiers. There are also skiable areas around Morefield Campground,
or for a longer trip, Ruin Road's Balcony House Loop forms a scenic six-mile
trail. Keep in mind that snowfall in this region of Southwestern Colorado is
normally light. Before you make your travel plans, call the park to find out
when is the right time to catch the best snow.
Live the
Wild Life
Mesa Verde National Park is an animal lover's paradise. The park is home to more
than 200 kinds of birds, including golden eagles, great horned owls,
sharp-skinned hawks, and a lovely variety of hummingbirds. You also stand a good
chance of seeing rock squirrels, cottontail rabbits, coyotes, mountain lions,
tarantulas, and bullsnakes. Camp at Morefield Campground and you may be visited
by a flock of Merriam's turkeys, which were prized by the Anasazi for their
feathers. |
