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MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK
Mesa Verde is one of the most famous national parks in the United States, located in the state of Colorado. First of all, it is interesting for the rocky dwellings preserved on its territory, in which the Anasazi Indians lived about a thousand years ago.
Mesa Verde Park was founded by the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, and is the largest archaeological site in the United States dedicated to preserving the history of the American continent. It is one of the only national parks in the United States that preserves primarily human-made objects, unlike all other parks that preserve wilderness and geology.
Information
Mesa Verde National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in Montezuma County, Colorado, in the so-called Four Corners region of the southwestern United States, where four states converge - Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. On its territory there are about 600 well-preserved rock dwellings of the Anasazi Indians who inhabited the area from the 6th to the 13th century.
The inhabitants of Mesa Verde - the Anasazi Indians - were engaged in hunting, fishing, collecting the gifts of nature and partly farming. By the 12th century, their culture had flourished and they began to build multi-storey residential buildings in the rocks, thanks to which the park is known throughout the world today.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is renowned for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites. While the park is primarily known for its cultural and historical significance, there are also several scenic hiking trails that offer opportunities to explore the park's diverse landscapes. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Mesa Verde National Park:
Cliff Palace Loop:
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Description: This short loop trail starts at the Cliff Palace Overlook and provides close-up views of Cliff Palace, one of the largest and most iconic cliff dwellings in the park. It offers insights into the ancient architecture and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Balcony House:
Distance: 0.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: Accessible via ranger-guided tours only (tickets required), this trail leads to Balcony House, another impressive cliff dwelling with steep ladders and tunnels. It provides a unique perspective on the challenges and ingenuity of the ancient inhabitants.
Spruce Tree House Loop:
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: This self-guided trail starts at the Spruce Tree House overlook and descends into a canyon to the well-preserved Spruce Tree House cliff dwelling. It's an informative hike with interpretive signs along the trail.
Mesa Top Loop Road:
Distance: Varies (several viewpoints and short trails along the loop road)
Difficulty: Easy
Description: This scenic drive offers access to multiple viewpoints and short trails that explore mesa top archaeological sites and offer expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Stops include Sun Point View, Square Tower House, and Sun Temple.
Long House Loop:
Distance: 2.25 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: Accessible via ranger-guided tours only (tickets required), this trail leads to Long House, the second-largest cliff dwelling in the park. It involves climbing ladders and exploring ancient rooms and kivas, providing a deeper understanding of Ancestral Puebloan life.
Knife Edge Trail:
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: This trail offers panoramic views of the Montezuma Valley and surrounding mesas. It's a quieter trail that explores the mesa top and provides opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the high desert scenery.
When visiting Mesa Verde National Park, plan ahead for ranger-guided tours to cliff dwellings, as tickets can sell out during peak seasons. Wear sturdy footwear, carry water, and be prepared for varying weather conditions. Respect the archaeological sites by staying on designated trails and following park regulations. Interpretive programs and visitor centers provide additional information about the park's history and cultural significance.
Official name - MESA VERDE National Park
Mailing Address: PO Box 8
Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330
Area: 52,485 acres
Coordinates: 37°11′02″N 108°29′19″W
Established - June 29, 1906
Attendance - 563,420 people per year