During our week long vacation in Durango, CO we spent 2 days in Mesa Verde National Park.
It is 15 miles from the entrance to the visitor center!
Finally on top of the mountain
A forest fire burned the trees a couple of years ago
On the way down to the first dwellings (Long House)
A little village nestled in an alcove.
We have to climb ladders to get into the dwellings
These buildings were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people more than 1000 years ago.
The Ancestral Pueblo people lived here for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to A.D. 1300.
A home with a view
Natural protection provided by the rock
Last view before we have to leave
Wild horses are roaming free in the national park
The "Kodak House" from a view point above
The "Long House" from a view point on the rim. there are more 400 of these dwellings.
On our second day we visit the "Balcony House". The most challenging access.
Small niches to squeeze trough ...
... and tight holes to go climb through.
Small rooms for small people (average height about 5 feet)
One of the many Kiva's Kiva is a Hopi word meaning "ceremonial room." Kivas were important ceremonial gathering places in the life of Ancestral Puebloans -…