In the shelter of hundreds of caves eroded high in the rocky walls are some of the largest and best preserved Indian cliff dwellings in the world. Although the earliest known inhabitants came to this region about 500 A.D. and built subterranean pithouses on the mesa tops, for some unknown reason they moved into caves and built complex cliff dwellings in the 13th century. In 1276 a drought struck and lasted 24 years driving the Indians from Mesa Verde to search for more reliable water sources. National Monument Paved roads lead to many of the ruins, carefully excavated and meticulously restored throughout the park. Don't miss Ruins Road, two six-mile loops that afford views of nearly forty outstanding cliff dwellings from canyon rim lookout points.
Interpretive rangers lead guided walks into some ruins.
An incredible backcountry experience awaits those who venture to the Ute Mountain Tribal Park on the Ute Mountain Reservation. No one lives on these sacred lands today. Although archaeologists attempt to provide answers to the riddles of these ancient peoples, it is especially interesting to hear stories offered by modern Indians. On the all-day Main Ruins tour, billowing clouds chased across the blue sky scraping the mesa tops. Petroglyphs, etched on many rock walls, watched over our passage through the canyons.