Our
plan was to go from Moab, UT to Durango, CO but when we couldn’t get into the
campground we wanted for another day, we opted to spend the night in Cortez, CO
and go to Mesa Verde NP which we had missed last year.
The
drive from Moab was a little surprising as I expected 120 miles of desert but
was surprised at the amount of agriculture, especially when we got into CO.
We
booked a night at the Cortez KOA and were met with very friendly people and a
nicely landscaped and well maintained campground. The
one thing that was a first for us was that the camping spots were one big
gravel area.
I
assume it yields no mud in wet weather (a plus) but plenty of dust when it’s
dry (a minus). Gravel here is very different than the crushed limestone common at home - this stuff would be considered decorative.
After
getting set up, we headed up to Mesa Verde NP (8 miles east) for a short visit.
The park
was established in 1906 And consists of 81.4 square miles of the Mesa Verde
(Green Table) and is the largest archaeological preserve in the US. As we were making the 20 mile drive from the
entrance back to park headquarters and the hub of the park attractions, I was
astounded by the views of the valley and the engineering and construction it
took to build the road. It was a mixture
of The Road To The Sun in Glacier NP and the million dollar highway from
Silverton to Ouray, CO.
According to the ranger there are 600+ dwelling sites in the park with Spruce Tree House being the most accessible. It is located just below the park headquarters and has a paved path down to it.
Bev and Pat made the trip but after what a similar walk in Canyonlands did to my knees, I opted out. The first shot shows the mesa above the dwelling.
These
are some shots Pat took from the site.
The dwelling was several rooms deep.
This is Bev descending into a Kiva.
The dwelling was several rooms deep.
This is Bev descending into a Kiva.
Most
of the other dwellings require an even more strenuous walk and we decided this
would do it for us. If you’ve never read
about the Anasazi, Wikipedia provides a quick summary.
The desert
in bloom.
Photos
best if enlarged by clicking on them.
As of yesterday afternoon, we are back at Almost Heaven South and the 5300 mile trip is in the books, but I will continue to post our adventures in order unless something important happens around here.
As of yesterday afternoon, we are back at Almost Heaven South and the 5300 mile trip is in the books, but I will continue to post our adventures in order unless something important happens around here.
Have
a great day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South.
Larry
9/13/2013 event date
9/13/2013 event date
Those dwellings look eerily vacant. How interesting to think of those that lived there.
ReplyDeleteSam
I think dwellings like that are just amazing!
ReplyDeleteI believe I've mentioned how much I love this park - I really want to go back one day. Your photos are great and so happy you got in before the shutdown. Hope that hindered your adventures! Safe travels to you and Bev
ReplyDeleteLarry, Nice photos at Mesa Verde! Love the quality of the construction of the Anasazi cliff dwellings. On your next trip, you'll have to visit the spectacular construction evident at Chaco Culture National Historic Park in northwester New Mexico. See you soon! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
ReplyDeleteI really want to visit Mesa Verde... what a neat place to explore. Great photos Larry!
ReplyDeleteLove the desert flower and the dwellings are amazing. All your pics are great, but I esp. like the sky shot -- second one above Spruce Tree sign. Glad you had a great trip and arrived home safely! Looking forward to more photos!
ReplyDeleteNever been to an all-gravel campground? You either have lead a too-sheltered camping life or just been lucky.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'd like the all-gravel campground; it wouldn't feel right sitting around in the evening. It looks like this was a great visit to Colorado.
ReplyDeleteI have seen those dwellings too, and they are amazing. Welcome home!
ReplyDeleteVelva
Mesa Verde is one of the places that is on our 'to visit' list. There are so many places on it now that I feel we need to travel full time.
ReplyDeleteSo jealous, I hope to take a trip like yours shortly after we retire.
ReplyDelete