Mesa Verde National Park was created to preserve the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people, and includes archeological sites from about 550AD to 1300AD. The earliest people were nomads, settling in this area in pit houses and by 1000AD, multi-story pueblos above ground. Between 1150 and 1300, thousands of people lived here, many in villages with kivas and courtyards. About 1225, people moved into cliff alcoves, ranging from one room houses to centers with 150 rooms such as Cliff Palace and Long House. By 1300AD, the area was deserted and no one knows why they left.
The park consists of 2 main roads, Chapin Mesa and Wetherill Mesa. Today we spend the day driving the Chapin Mesa area stopping at overlooks with views of the canyons and of the cliff houses. From a distance, we are amazed at the depth of Cliff Palace and the intricacy of the dwellings. There are tours of Balcony House but the fact that one must climb a 30 ft ladder scares me aware. We opt for a tour of Long House tomorrow which only has 2 10ft ladders!
Cliff Palace with 150 rooms
Balcony House with 30 ft ladder, 18inch tunnel and 60 ft. cliff face
