Mesa Verde National Park

Designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1978, Mesa Verde National Park is known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, left by the Pueblo Indians of the American Southwest. Located in the southwest of Colorado, Mesa Verde supports a rich ecosystem of more than 1,000 species of flora and fauna, making it an ideal place to inhabit despite its arid climate. From wild turkeys and golden eagles to collard lizards and mule deer – you’ll find lots of life in this area, but the most interesting are perhaps the lives that left.

Over three impressive sites, and incredible landscapes and trails – like the Petroglyph Point Trail – in between, witness how these ancient Native Americans once lived for over 700 years. Explore the 150 individual rooms and 20 kivas of the impressive Cliff Palace, and step back in time with visits to both Balcony House and Long House. These main sites require a guided tour with a park ranger as they can be somewhat challenging to access – Balcony House requires visitors to climb a 32-foot ladder – so if that’s too adventurous for you, drive the 6-mile Mesa Top Loop Road through the park instead. You’ll get to pass numerous archaeological sites and overlooks, including Sun Point Overlook which offers breathtaking views of the ancient dwellings and the lush canyon landscape.