Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park has 600 Pueblo cliff dwellings and there are over 4,000 archaeological digs. The people lived here on this "green table" from 600 A.D. until about 1300 A.D. Today, you can visit their homes and the other buildings they left behind. This is a fascinating place if you enjoy seeing how people lived long ago.

There are guided tours or you can hike on designated park trails. You cannot enter a cliff dwelling unless you are accompanied by a park ranger. Pets are not allowed on park trails.

Almost all of the park trails are steep and strenuous. Make sure you are wearing proper foot wear--no flip-flops or sandals. There are eight hiking trails. This park is probably better for families with older children.

You can also go bird watching, look at plantlife, or check out local wildlife and photograph the animals,such as mule deer, black bears, owls, lizards, squirrels, coyotes, cottontail rabbits, and jackrabbits.

Look at the nighttime sky with a telescope. Because it is so dark, you can clearly see the stars, unlike in the city.

In the winter, you can go cross-country skiing.

This park is about one hour away from Cortez, Colorado if you go east on Highway 160. If you are coming from Durango, Colorado, head west on Highway 160.