Mesa Verde National Park

Unearthing History and Hiking Through Time: Exploring

Mesa Verde National Park, tucked away in the striking landscape of Southwest Colorado, offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and profound history. Home to the remarkably preserved cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people, this UNESCO World Heritage Site invites visitors to step back in time and connect with a rich and complex past. We visited the park on July 28, 2025. Much of the information below is from some of the tours and speeches of the knowledgeable park Rangers and informative signs explaining the history of the park.

For over 700 years, the Ancestral Puebloans thrived in the Mesa Verde region, crafting communities both on the mesa tops and within the protective alcoves of the cliffs. Their architectural prowess is evident in the intricate masonry of their homes and the ceremonial kivas built into the earth. They were skilled farmers, cultivating corn, beans, and squash, and adept at water management in a challenging environment. Mesa Verde offers a tangible link to these ancient people, showcasing their resourcefulness, their connection to the land, and the spiritual significance of their settlements.

While the iconic cliff dwellings are undoubtedly a highlight, Mesa Verde National Park also boasts a network of hiking trails that offer a different perspective and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding the ancient sites. This includes the Petroglyph Point Trail which we completed. It’s a popular 2.4-mile trail according to the signs, but it was nearly 3 miles long according to my GAIA app. It was a looped trail and there are pictures of our hike below in the gallery. On the hike you see stunning canyon views, and close-up looks at a significant petroglyph panel. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes, as some sections require flexibility and navigating uneven terrain.

We also hike the Point Lookout Trail, which was relatively short, but had panoramic views of the park. The 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys and mountains was well worth the effort. Again, we have photo’s below in the gallery from the top of this hike.

To truly experience the grandeur of Mesa Verde's cliff dwellings, you'll need to join a ranger-led tour. Tickets are highly sought after and must be reserved in advance, often booking up quickly. We were fortunate to get tickets for the Cliff Palace tour which is the largest and most popular of the cliff dwellings, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of over 100 Ancestral Puebloan inhabitants. The tour involves descending 150 stone steps and climbing a ladder to explore the site. It was well worth it and photography is allowed throughout the tour.

There are also tours of the Balcony House and the Square Tower House.