We have been consistent in our lack of research into the national parks, preferring to learn about the protected land through interpretative programs and signage on site. That being said, the cultural sites and the extent to which they have been preserved is phenomenal! We spent the afternoon at the park, but would easily have spent at least another day if interpretive tours were being offered. This park is going on our ‘visit after COVID’ list! If you visit this park when the world is back to normal, be sure to go on a tour. If you visit before then or if you do not want to go on a tour, we have some suggestions for what you should do during your visit.
1. Download the Mesa Verde App on Your Phone
This app is free and the first to show up in the App Store when you search for ‘mesa verde’. There are very few places in the park that get service, so be sure to find and download the app before you arrive. The app not only provides a map to the park, but it also has basic information for the park and hiking trails. The reason that we downloaded the app however was the interpretive audio tour that was built in. At the heart of the cultural heart of the park there is a loop road with a number of stops. The audio tour is conducted by a park ranger that works at Mesa Verde, and is a descendant of the Ancestral Pueblo people that once lived there. Her insight to the cultural significance of the sites and the way that the information is presented is compelling, and it was the next best thing to having a ranger present giving a tour. We were amazed at both how well produced the audio tour was, as well as how few people were actually listening to it (we did not hear any).
2. Drive the Mesa Top Loop Road
We touched on this in the first point, but they go together. The road has 10 sites the range from excavated and preserved holes in the ground that were the early pit houses of the native tribe, to the massive cliff palace that contained dozens and dozens of rooms. Many sites are protected by large structures that prevent damage from the sun and elements, and include descriptive signs that give perspective to the visitor.
3. Walk the Far View Trail
There is a short (1 mile or so) trail within the park that travels through one of the most densely populated parts of the mesa between 900 and 1300 AD. There are remains of villages, a reservoir and a large cultural center. The walk is an easy one that allows visitors to enter into the structures. Some areas, like the one at the parking area, prohibit access to preserve the site, so be sure to follow the rules so sites can be preserved for future generations. The Coyote Village, located on the trail, does allow access, but prohibits climbing on the walls. Walk into the remains of the 5 x 8 foot homes and think about how the ancient people lived.