The National Park Mesa Verde (Spanish for green table) is located in Colorado and is famous for the well-preserved rock dwellings of the pre-Columbian Anasazi tribe.
The abandoned settlements were discovered in 1888 when cowboys came across in search of their cattle.
According to estimates, Mesa Verde has been inhabited since the year 600 AD until the 13th century. Why the area was abandoned is not exactly known.
Maybe a prolonged drought and deteriorating living conditions have driven people from this place.
It was very interesting to listen to the rangers during the guided tours to learn more about the history of this place. The people took advantage of the rock dwellings as protection against weather and enemies, as well as for the production / collection of water and for accelerated cultivation of fruits and vegetables.
Path through the park
The 3 main attractions in the park are the visits of the settlements Spruce Tree House, Balcony House or Cliff Palace. The settlements can only be visited on guided tours. This requires a ticket which can be purchased for a few dollars when entering the park at the Visitor Center and is highly recommended.
Balcony House
We opted for the Balcony House. The tour was not only interesting in terms of content but also the way itself was a lot of fun. During the tour we had to climb several ladders as well as crouch through a very narrow tunnel.
Balcony House tour
Only a few miles away is the Four Corners Monument. The states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona (clockwise, starting in the northwest) meet here. But there is not much more to see. So you do not necessarily have to plan this stop.
4 Corners
But what you should definitely plan is our next stop at Canyon de Chelly. Be curious!
Missed our last stop?
USA roadtrip: Bisti Wilderness Area (insider tip)
