Mesa Verde National Park
Description
Mesa Verde National Park is an amazing and one-of-a-kind site located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, near the Four Corners area. Home to the Ancestral Pueblo people for 700 years, the expansive site features 600 cliff dwellings and over 4,000 documented archaeological sites. Situated in the high plateaus on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, Mesa Verde is a marvelous landscape with expansive views of high deserts and peaks.
During the 700 years of inhabitance, from about 600 A.D. to about 1300 A.D., the Ancestral Pueblo people established an amazing cultural center in the cliffs and mesas of southwest Colorado. Revered for its cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde is home to remarkably intact and beautiful examples of how these people lived and forged out life in the high mesas. Notable dwellings include the Balcony House, Cliff Palace, Spruce Tree House, Long House and Step House.
Discovered in 1884, the Balcony House was excavated in 1910. This meticulously excavated and stabilized site is a favorite of visitors and often considered one of the most exciting cliff dwellings to tour. The 40-room dwelling features tunnels and passageways through the cliff and visitors can see how the ancient system of construction evolved and progressed.
The Cliff Palace is a large and beautiful site that contained 150 rooms and is believed to have been of social or administrative importance. Constructed primarily of sandstone, mortar and wooden beams and originally decorated with colored plasters, the Cliff Palace is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the ancient civilization.
The Spruce Tree House was discovered in 1888 by two ranchers and is so named because legend has it that the two men climbed down a spruce tree to first access the dwelling. Excavated in 1908 and opened for visitation shortly there after, this dwelling is well preserved because of the large alcove it is built in. The third largest site, it is thought to have been home to about 80 people.
The Long House is located on the Weatherill Mesa about 12 miles from the main site of Mesa Verde. Excavated between 1959 and 1961, the Long House is a more recent addition to the park. Many people enjoy the trip out to this more remote site because of the beautiful overlooks and hiking trails.
The Step House is another quiet site on the Wetherill Mesa, and unlike many famous sites, is self-guided. This site is particularly interesting and unique because of the evidence of two different cultures occupying the same site. Part of the site is a Modified Basketmaker site, while the rest is an Ancestral Puebloan site.
Although further from the metropolitan areas, the trip to Mesa Verde is well worth the effort. The cultural sites, as well as the local wildlife and the splendid landscape of the southwest are remarkable and unforgettable. Come find out why the name of Mesa Verde is so legendary.
Deals
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Businesses
Whether you want to travel to the Mesa Verde National Park, spend the night, go shopping, or have a romantic dinner, we have the business listings to help you plan your Colorado vacation close to the Mesa Verde National Park. Please click on the categories below to expand them. If you believe we missed a business or mis-categorized it, or if you have any other comment, please let us know by clicking here.
 Baymont Inn And Suites Cortez 2321 East Main Street (970) 565-3400Cortez, CO 81321 www.baymontinns.com  Hotel Year Built 1994 Year Remodeled 2009 Additional Property Description 100 percent smoke free, just minutes from Mesa Verde, Anasazi Heritage Center,...  Best Western Turquoise Inn Ste 535 E Main Street (970) 565-3778Cortez, CO 81321 book.bestwestern.com  Limited Service Year Built 1963 Year Remodeled 2008 Additional Property Description Choose this hotel in our nations archeological heartland and enjoy easy access...  Budget Host Inn Cortez 2040 E Main St (970) 565-3738Cortez, CO 81321 budgethostmesaverde.com  Inn/chalet limited serviceyear built 1990 year remodeled 1998additional property description enjoy our large rooms here at the budget host inn. Our queen and king...  Echo Basin Dude And Guest Ranch 43747 County Rd M Mancos, CO 81328 Centrally located between historical durango and renownedmesa verde national park, echo basin ranch is the idealsouthwest Colorado vacation destination.We are anon structured guest ranch where you plan... Echo Basin Dude And Guest Ranch, Llc 43747 County Rd M (970) 533-7000Mancos, CO 81328 www.echobasin.com   Econo Lodge Cortez 2020 E Main St (970) 565-3474Cortez, CO 81321 www.econolodge.com  Econolodge Cortez is located in Cortez and attractions in the region include Mesa Verde National Park Entrance, Anasazi Heritage Center, and Yucca House National Monument. Hotel Features. Recreational...  El Capri Motel 2110 S Broadway, Cortez, Co 81321 (970) 565-3764Cortez, CO 81321 White eagle inn is the perfect property for any wearytravelers. Our ultra clean rooms have wifi cable televisionand all the amenities any one person could need. Locatedclose to all the sites that Cortez...  Far View Lodge Mesa Verde Mile Marker 15 Cortez, CO 81330 Far View Lodge is located in Mesa Verde National Park and attractions in the region include Mesa Verde National Park Entrance. Resort Features. Far View Lodge features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Wireless...  Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde 2121 E Main St (970) 565-6000Cortez, CO 81321 www.hiexpress.com  Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde is a business friendly hotel located in Cortez and attractions in the region include Mesa Verde National Park Entrance, Anasazi Heritage Center, and Yucca House National...  Majestic Dude Ranch 42688 Road N Mancos, CO 81328 Located in Mancos, Majestic Dude Ranch is on a river and attractions in the region include Mesa Verde National Park Entrance. Property Features. Majestic Dude Ranch's restaurant serves breakfast, lunch,...  Mesa Verde Inn 640 S Broadway (970) 565-3773Cortez, CO 81321 mesaverde.com  The Mesa Verde Inn is located in Cortez, Colo. 11 miles from the Mesa Verde National Park 15 miles from the McPhee Reservoir 38.5 miles from the Four Corners Monument Features. On site restaurant and bar Outdoor... |
 National 9 Inn Sand Canyon 301 W Main St (970) 565-8562Cortez, CO 81321 www.sandcanyon.com  National 9 Inn Sand Canyon is conveniently located indowntown Cortez. It is locally owned and operated andis one of the best kept secrets for price and comfortwith all the amenities you will need. We are within...  Rodeway Inn Cortez 1120 E Main St (970) 565-3761Cortez, CO 81321 www.rodewayinn.com  Hotel features computer in lobby with free high speed,continental breakfast and indoor pool. All rooms with coffeemakers, hair dryers and irons. Rooms available with microwavesand refrigerators. Enjoy...  Ruby Rose Ranch 37951 Hwy 184 Mancos, CO 81328 Ruby Rose Ranch is located in Mancos, Colorado.Hotel Features.Complimentary breakfastLibraryWedding servicesGuestrooms.Fireplace Microwave, refrigerator, and coffee/tea makerComplimentary wireless Internet...  Super 8 Cortez Mesa Verde Area 505 E Main St (970) 565-8888Cortez, CO 81321 www.super8.com  Super 8 Cortez Mesa Verde Area is located in Cortez and attractions in the region include Anasazi Heritage Center, Yucca House National Monument, and Mesa Verde National Park Entrance. Property Features....  Travelodge 440 S Broadway (970) 565-7778Cortez, CO 81321 www.travelodge.com  Inn/chaletyear built 1994 year remodeled 2009additional property description the americas budget inn has convenient access to mesa verde national park, anasazi heritage center, arches... |
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