Mesa Verde, which means “green table” in literal terms, offers visitors a breathtaking glimpse into the daily lives of the Ancient Puebloan people. These people made this region their home for over seven hundred years. Today, the park preserves around 4,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings that are considered some of the most famous and well-preserved in the United States. From the 7th to the 14th century, this area was a thriving society.
Located high in the densely wooded plateaus of southwest Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is characterized by deep canyons cutting through its southern edge. Due to its remote location, the park remained largely unexplored until 1888. It is believed that the region was exclusively inhabited by the highly skilled Ancient Puebloans, although other people may have passed through at some point in history. After residing on the mesas for thousands of years, they eventually moved to the rocky alcoves on the canyon rims and constructed multi-story homes there.
Among the ruins, the most impressive is undoubtedly the Cliff Palace, but the Balcony House, Long House, and Spruce Tree House are also notable. The Cliff Palace, situated 100 feet below an overhanging rock ledge, consists of 217 chambers that once provided shelter for over 200 people. A visit to this site will transport you to a world that is no longer familiar, evoking a sense of awe and wonder.
