May 10, 2023
Woke up early for our planned trip to Mesa Verde National Park! Had breakfast at the hotel and left for Mesa Verde approximately 8:30 AM. First stop of course was the visitor center that was packed full of information, videos, booklets, Rangers explaining what we might see on the twenty mile drive to the canyon and caves built into the cliffs.
This park is amazing.
For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 26 Pueblos and Tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past. On June 29, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt established Mesa Verde National Park to “preserve the works of man,” the first national park of its kind. Today, the continued preservation of both cultural and natural resources is the focus of the park’s research and resource management staff. (National Park Service)
To hear the story of these people, how they lived and survived is truly spectacular! Approximately 1,400 years ago, (500-600 A.D.) years before Europeans explored North America, a group of people chose Mesa Verde for their home. For more than 700 years they and their descendants lived and flourished here, building elaborate stone communities in the canyon walls. Then, in the late 1200s A.D., they left their homes and moved away. Mesa Verde National Park preserves a reminder of this ancient culture.
We took hundreds of photos but none can describe or show this place like being there. Spectacular scenery throughout combined with the history of this place is …… , well words cannot describe it.
Spent most of the day there and honestly could have seen more, but some roads were under construction so no access was allowed.
We were hungry, agreed on Mexican food, found a place online with good reviews in Cortez, Colorado, few miles from Mesa Verde National Park. We found the place and Patty did not want to stop, didn’t look very good to her from the outside. Drove by the place two or three times before I convinced her not to judge the food by the outer appearance. 🙂 Just so you know, the food was awesome! La Casita is great food with good service, don’t be fooled by the appearance.
Headed back to Durango after eating and located some Baskin Robbins ice cream for dessert. Yum
Tomorrow we are scheduled to take our train ride to Silverton. Forecast is predicting snow and sleet so we plan to dress warmer. Looking forward to this train ride through the mountains.
Hope you found this interesting. Hit the follow button to see what happens next. Not a “biker” by definition, just an old man that loves to ride motorcycles, travel, and experience new adventures.
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