I'm an adventurous soul on a mission to explore all 63 national parks. My passion lies in crafting short stories and sharing personal photographs that capture the essence of these remarkable journeys. Through my words and images, I strive to convey...
Researching all about the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde, I was excited to see them up close and personal. Tour tickets in hand, we headed to our meeting spot. Before the tour even started, I spotted a cliff dwelling in the distance. The most famous Mesa Verde dwelling is the Cliff Palace. I was impressed and thought that was the one I had been looking at online, but then I turned around and was amazed.
Mesa Verde National Park is home to numerous ruins of villages and dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloan peoples, who lived in the area from approximately 600 to 1300 AD. There are more than 4,000 archaeological sites and over 600 cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde. I was blown away by how someone could build such structures so long ago with the tools and materials they had available—there was no Home Depot right around the corner. It truly is unbelievable.
The cliff dwellings, like the Cliff Palace, are nestled into the sides of steep cliffs. These structures were built using sandstone blocks, mortar, and wooden beams. The Ancestral Puebloans used stone tools to shape the sandstone and constructed multi-story buildings complete with rooms, plazas, and kivas (ceremonial rooms). They had to carry all the materials up steep paths and ladders, working carefully to create their homes and communities.
Compared to how things are made today, the difference is striking. Modern construction often involves heavy machinery, pre-fabricated materials, and advanced technology that makes building quicker and less labor-intensive. We have power tools, cranes, and trucks to transport materials. Yet, despite all our advancements, the skill and creativity of the Ancestral Puebloans remain impressive.
After taking in the cliff dwellings, we drove the Million Dollar Highway, starting in Durango. It's a jaw-dropping route over sheer cliffs with breathtaking views. We stopped in historic Silverton along the way, where I spotted a pink building with the famous Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives logo. It was a sign—we had to check it out. Naturally, we enjoyed the authentic award-winning BBQ at Thee Pitts Again, it was delicious!
Ouray, known as the "Switzerland of America," was our next stop. Soaking in the hot springs, we admired the surrounding San Juan mountains of the Uncompahgre National Forest. The contrast between the ancient, hand-built cliff dwellings and the natural beauty of the rugged mountains left me in wonder at both human ingenuity and the power of nature.
There's something about Ouray that brought me such joy and peace. I can't wait to go back and explore some more, especially the Yankee Boy Basin. The idea of hiking through fields of wildflowers, especially the Columbine, the state flower of Colorado, fills me with excitement. Next up on the National Park tour is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. I'm eager to discover its dramatic cliffs and deep, narrow canyons, adding another incredible experience to my journey.
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