Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park and the Durango and Silverton Railroad

Program No. 1263RJ
From a historic train ride to a legacy of mining, from ancient Puebloan architecture to the inspiring landscapes of Mesa Verde National Park, learn the story of the Four Corners region.

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At a Glance

The Ancestral Puebloans chose Mesa Verde, now a world heritage site, as their home over a millennium ago, building an elaborate culture among the canyons and cliffs. Learn about these prehistoric Puebloan people as you trace park history from its discovery to the Native Americans who share Four Corners country today, and hear about railroad and Colorado mining history during a full-day field trip aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to one-half mile over varied terrain. Must be able to climb short ladder at ruins. Elevations up to 9,700 feet.

What You'll Learn

  • Study the cultural, artistic, engineering and farming advancements of these prehistoric people during visits to ruins on the mesa-top and to view cliff dwellings at Spruce Tree House and Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde’s showpiece.
  • Learn about the CCC boys at Mesa Verde, railroads, miners, cowboys and Navajo inhabitants of this Western region.
  • Ascend nearly 3,000 feet by steam train through some of the most dramatic terrain ever traversed by rail; return to Durango on the Million Dollar Highway.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Jerry Cohoe
Artist Jerry Cohoe is the son of a Diné (Navajo) medicine man from Tocito, New Mexico. His mother is from the Bit'ahnii (leaf) clan and his father from the 'Ashiihi (salt people) clan. Jerry’s interest in art began as a child when he would watch his mother weave intricate traditional Diné rug designs or witness ritualistic sand paintings during his father's healing ceremonies. Jerry's work reflects his Diné heritage and most of his studies are framed in the setting of the Great Diné Nation.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Jerry Cohoe
Jerry Cohoe View biography
Artist Jerry Cohoe is the son of a Diné (Navajo) medicine man from Tocito, New Mexico. His mother is from the Bit'ahnii (leaf) clan and his father from the 'Ashiihi (salt people) clan. Jerry’s interest in art began as a child when he would watch his mother weave intricate traditional Diné rug designs or witness ritualistic sand paintings during his father's healing ceremonies. Jerry's work reflects his Diné heritage and most of his studies are framed in the setting of the Great Diné Nation.
Profile Image of Trina Lindig
Trina Lindig View biography
Trina Lindig grew up at Mesa Verde National Park as the daughter of a Park Ranger. She also became a Park Ranger and spent time at Mesa Verde and Grand Canyon, where her husband was a park administrator. Trina has been associated with Road Scholar for more than 20 years and has coordinated programs at both the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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