Exploring Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings
- Mesa Verde preserves more than 700 years of Ancient Pueblo history, from early farming settlements to complex cliff dwellings.
- Located in southwest Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is an easy drive from the nearby city of Cortez and the town of Mancos.
- A majority of cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde were built between 1190 and 1300 C.E.
- Many of today’s Pueblo tribes are descendants of the Ancient Mesa Verde Puebloans, who were farmers, builders and planners.
- Several dwellings, including Cliff Palace, Balcony House and Square Tower House, are open for guided tours during certain seasons.
Mesa Verde is among North America’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Nestled in the cliffs of southwest Colorado, these Mesa Verde cliff dwellings preserve centuries of history left by the Ancestral Pueblo people. Visitors are drawn to the dramatic views, the silence of the canyons and the opportunity to explore former sites where Puebloan communities once existed and thrived. If you’re planning to visit or are simply curious about the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings in Colorado, here’s the background you need to understand what you’re viewing in this guide.
History of Mesa Verde
The cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde have been home to human communities for more than 700 years. The history of Mesa Verde begins with early farmers who settled the mesa tops around 550 C.E., building pithouses and later masonry villages as agriculture in the area became more reliable. By the late 1100s, the people here shifted into cliff alcoves, creating the famous multi-level dwellings we see today. These were once vibrant towns with lookout points, plazas, storage rooms and round underground rooms called kivas. Around 1300 C.E., the region was abandoned as communities moved south, likely due to a mix of environmental pressure, migration patterns and social change. In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt established Mesa Verde as a U.S. National Park, establishing it as the first national park dedicated to cultural preservation.
Where Are the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings
The cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde are in the far southwest corner of Colorado, not far from the Four Corners region. They are set along steep canyon walls carved into the mesa. The closest towns, Cortes and Mancos, offer convenient access to the park.
When Was Mesa Verde Built
The first pit houses at Mesa Verde appeared around the mid C.E. 500s, with the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde appearing around the late 1190s. Construction occurred over several generations, with dwellings expanding as families grew.
Mesa Verde Inhabitants
The people who built and lived in Mesa Verde are now known as the Ancestral Pueblo people. The Mesa Verde Puebloans are descendants of the ancestors of many modern Puebloan tribes, including the Hopi, Zuni and other groups along the Rio Grande. Mesa Verde National Park is an excellent destination for someone who loves human history and learning about the farmers, builders, artists and planners who transformed this landscape into a thriving community.
Things You Need to Know Before Going to Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings
A visit to the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings is rewarding, but the terrain can be demanding. Many dwellings are only accessible by ranger-led tours, and some require climbing ladders, squeezing through narrow passages or navigating steep trails. While Mesa Verde cliff dwellers were experts at navigating this terrain, erosion and natural wear and tear have made traversing these grounds a bit more challenging compared to several centuries ago.
Additionally, the summers can be hot and the higher altitude may affect visitors who aren’t used to high elevations. Before going, review expert travel tips and make sure to pack sunscreen, water, sturdy shoes and snacks to stay energized throughout your excursion. Additionally, make sure to check the National Park Service site for closures, tour availability and seasonal restrictions.
Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, located in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado.
What Cliff Dwellings Can You Go Into?
As one of the most geographically and culturally unique national parks in Colorado, Mesa Verde offers something for everyone. When it comes to the cliff dwellings, not every one is open for entry, but several major sites offer guided access at certain times of year. These tours offer visitors the opportunity to walk inside the structures, rather than just viewing them from the overlooks. Let’s explore the cliff dwellings you can actually enter at Mesa Verde.
Cliff Palace
Cliff Palace is the largest and most recognizable cliff dwelling in the park, with more than 150 rooms and over 20 kivas, the round, underground rooms that were used for various purposes, including ceremonies. This site served as a central gathering place and likely a cultural hub for the surrounding communities. Tours involve climbing ladders and stone steps, creating a truly unique and immersive experience.
Balcony House
Balcony House is the most adventurous and challenging tour, requiring a long ladder climb, followed by crawling through a narrow tunnel. Once inside, you’ll be able to see how defensible and tucked-away this community was, with its compact rooms and stunning views made possible by ingenious engineering.
Spruce Tree House
Spruce Tree House is one of the best-preserved dwellings, but access has been restricted for several years due to rockfall concerns. Even when the entry is closed, you can usually view it from across the canyon, making it a great stop if you prefer an easy walk with stunning scenery.
Square Tower House
Square Tower House is known for its impressive four-story tower, which is the tallest structure in Mesa Verde. It’s more remote and feels quieter compared to other Mesa Verde cliff dwellings. Guided access is limited, but overlooks offer excellent views of the alcove and tower. When access is permitted, visitors can view painted murals and pecked rock art, designs created by chipping, pecking or carving into a rock surface.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde?
One of the top travel tips for older adults is planning the right time to visit Mesa Verde to get the best experience. Late spring and early fall often bring the best conditions, with comfortable temperatures for exploring and fewer crowds. Summer is the busiest season, and while it’s a great time for ranger-led programs, the heat and crowds can be challenging. Winter can be peaceful, but many of the cliff dwellings are closed due to safety concerns.
Visit Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings with Road Scholar
Ready to see the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings for yourself? Enroll with us and join one of our experiential learning programs that immerse you in the geography and landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our expert guides will walk you through the history, traditions, geography and wildlife of this National Park, so you can understand the impact of the Mesa Verde Puebloans on this region of the country.
