Mesa Verde National Park

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One of America’s richest repositories of archaeological wonders, Mesa Verde National Park was the home of choice for the ancient Pueblo people for some 700 years, from about 550AD. Their culture was sophisticated and their lifestyle replete with mysteries and surprisingly advanced innovations, including sunken living rooms, an air deflector for the fire (an early understanding of the need for a chimney), and beautifully painted pottery. In about 1200 AD, they moved away, and were decimated as they integrated into other cultures, but they left behind them relics of their rich and complicated lives. Mesa Verde, which in Spanish is Green Table, is today a protected National Park, ratified and created as such in 1906.

Mesa Verde National Park History

When was Mesa Verde first discovered?
- Explorers from New Mexico first discovered this extraordinary area in 1765.
- The name became formalized nearly 100 years later.
What is a mesa?
- A mesa is an elevated piece of land with a flat top and steep sides, resembling a large stone table.
- The name "Mesa Verde" refers to the thick and verdant forests of juniper and piñon trees that grow atop the mesa.
Who were the first inhabitants of Mesa Verde?
- The Pueblo people, comprising at least 26 different cultural communities, were the first known inhabitants.
- They initially made homes by digging into the cliff walls of the mesa.
- Over time, they transitioned from semi-nomadic cave dwellers to building the stunning architectural ruins that still stand today.
What did the Pueblo people farm?
- The Pueblo people were subsistence farmers and hunters.
- They farmed vegetables such as squash, corn, and beans while also relying on the land for hunting.
Who was the first to photograph Mesa Verde?
- William Henry Jackson, a pioneer photographer, first photographed Mesa Verde in 1875.
- His photographs helped introduce the world to the unique archaeological and natural wonders of the region.
What are some of the notable sites in Mesa Verde?
- Different sites bear distinct names based on discoveries by explorers.
- Some notable sites include:
When was the idea of protecting Mesa Verde first proposed?
- By 1886, vandalism and looting had become a serious issue in the area.
- People were pillaging artifacts and even demolishing walls to take cave art.
- This led to discussions about state protection for the site.
Who was Richard Wetherill, and what did he do?
- Richard Wetherill was a local ranger who began collecting archaeological specimens from Mesa Verde.
- He sold these artifacts to the Colorado Historical Society to ensure their preservation.
What contributions did Richard Wetherill and Charles Mason make?
- Wetherill and his brother-in-law Charles Mason were captivated by the site’s archaeological significance.
- In the 1880s, they meticulously documented and counted 182 cliff dwellings in the region.

Mesa Verde National Park Information

Who was the first trained scientist to study Mesa Verde?
- The first trained scientist to visit the area was Baron Gustaf E A Nordensköld from Sweden in 1891.
- He was a trained mineralogist and spent time drawing, photographing, and excavating parts of the area.
Where are Nordensköld's discoveries now?
- Some 600 objects excavated by Nordensköld are still housed in the National Museum of Helsinki in Finland.
When did efforts to protect Mesa Verde as a national monument begin?
- The push to designate Mesa Verde as a national monument began after Nordensköld’s research.
- The first bid to form a protection bill was rejected in 1901.
- However, in 1906, the bill was passed and signed by President Roosevelt.
What did the 1906 bill protecting Mesa Verde do?
- The bill made it a federal crime to destroy or vandalize any historic or prehistoric architecture or object found in the area.
When did Mesa Verde open as a public park?
- By 1908, Mesa Verde was being marketed as a public park for visitors.
How did the Great Depression impact Mesa Verde?
- During the 1930s, President Roosevelt's New Deal Project led to the creation of the Civil Conservation Corps.
- Unemployed young men and women were assigned to build trails and roads, set up exhibitions, and develop infrastructure to make Mesa Verde more accessible.
When was Mesa Verde designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- In 1978, Mesa Verde was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is the Wetherill Mesa Archaeological Project?
- The Wetherill Mesa Archaeological Project is a major research and preservation effort within Mesa Verde National Park.
- It integrates scientific research and informal education to enhance the park's historical significance.
How did Mesa Verde commemorate its centenary in 2006?
- For its centenary celebration in 2006, Mesa Verde conducted a dignified private reburial of numerous graves that had been disturbed during excavation.

Mesa Verde National Park Facilities

What is the first facility visitors encounter at Mesa Verde?
- Upon entering the park, visitors will find the Visitor and Research Center, which was refurbished in 2012.
- This facility provides everything needed for an exciting, safe, and informed trip.
- It is also the location where visitors can buy tickets for guided tours in the park.
What tours are available at Mesa Verde?
- Visitors can purchase tickets for walking expeditions through:
What is the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum?
- The Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum is a must-visit facility in Mesa Verde.
- It features:
What is the highlight of a visit to Mesa Verde?
- The highlight of the trip is visiting the cliff dwellings.
- Some visits are conducted under the guidance of a ranger, while others are self-navigable at different times of the year.
Is Spruce Tree House open to the public?
- No, Spruce Tree House is currently closed due to the danger of rock falls.
Does Mesa Verde host any special programs?
- Yes, the park serves as the site of:
What activities are available for the general public?
- For the public, Mesa Verde offers:
Are there special winter activities at Mesa Verde?
- Yes! The park offers specially designed winter programs, including:
- These activities provide a unique perspective on the area when it is covered in snow.

Visit Mesa Verde National Park

Is Mesa Verde open year-round?
- Yes, Mesa Verde National Park is open all year long, but operating times vary due to changing weather patterns.
- It is recommended to consult the park’s timetables before arriving.
Are there free entrance days at Mesa Verde?
- Yes, as an initiative to encourage visitors, the park’s entrance fees are waived on ten days throughout the year.
What types of accommodations are available in Mesa Verde?
- Visitors have several accommodation options, including:
Are Mesa Verde trails challenging?
- Some trails involve visiting archaeological ruins and require careful consideration of fitness levels.
- Many trails reach altitudes over 7,000 feet and involve steep walking.
- Visitors should ensure they are physically prepared to avoid holding up the group or risking injury.
Are the roads in Mesa Verde safe?
- Roads in the park can be narrow with hairpin bends at high altitude.
- Visitors must obey all traffic rules, including speed limits.
Can visitors cycle in Mesa Verde?
- Yes, but there are no dedicated cycling lanes.
- Cyclists are not allowed on pedestrian lanes.
What safety precautions should visitors take?
- Visitors should be mindful of:
- During an electric storm, the safest place to be is inside a building or vehicle.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park History

Mesa Verde National Park Information

Mesa Verde National Park Facilities

Visit Mesa Verde National Park

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