Thousands of pueblo ruins are scattered across the four corners region of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, on top of the mesas, along the waterways and tucked into rock overhangs. Most of the dwellings were abandoned around 1300 when the inhabitants moved south and east to escape a severe 24 year drought. Time, weather and new people moving into the area have caused a lot of damage to many of the structures but Mesa Verde, because of it’s isolation on the top of a high plateau, is one of the best preserved cliff dwelling sites in the world.
Three of the cliff dwellings are open for visitors. Stop at the beautiful, new visitor center at the park entrance to get tickets, watch the movie and see the exhibits. Mockups of the ladders and narrow spaces that you must navigate are available to try out before going to the ruins.
The cliff dwellings are the main attraction and they are not accessible but the park service has done a very good job making the rest of the park as accessible as possible. The new visitor center is completely accessible. Most of the views from the overlooks can be seen from your vehicle. Park Point Overlook has a steep paved trail to the top. The Far View site does not have a paved trail but parts of it can be seen with help. All of the mesa top sites along Mesa Top Loop have paved paths which are mostly level although a few have steep sections. Spruce Tree House has a long, steep, paved path down to the ruins. We have never taken this path because of the grade and elevation. The Chapin Mesa Museum is partially accessible. It has four levels. The second level is accessed by a steep, movable metal ramp. The third and forth levels have short flights of steps and no ramps. Wetherill Mesa Road is opened, during the summer only, to vehicles less than 25’ and 8000 pounds. An accessible tram travels the mesa loop.The campground loop with accessible sites was still closed for the season during our visit so we didn’t check it out. Accessibility Info
Mesa Verde is located over 1000’ above the surrounding plains so the roadway is steep with many curves. Trailers and towed vehicles that are not going to the campground must be left at a parking area near the bottom. Touring is best done in your car but can be managed in a small RV. The parking lots, with the exception of the visitor centers and Cliff and Balcony House are small. The Far View Site has very little parking and most RVs will not find a spot there.
Most of the campsites are small and not level. The electric hookup sites have been redesigned and are much better but there aren’t very many of them and they weren’t opened during our visit. We watched several people circle the campground loop a few times before giving up because they couldn’t find a site where their RV would fit. Some of the sites were missing tables and fire rings. The campground rarely fills so if your RV is small you shouldn’t have any trouble getting a space no matter when you visit. Park
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You guys are moving around...I really admire you doing all these travels especially places that we were (like this one)and know how difficult it must be for you -way to go.
ReplyDeleteThanks Danny. We were fortunate to have visited Mesa Verde a month before I got hurt so we have been inside the cliff dwellings - fascinating story!
ReplyDeleteEven with the difficulties that we encounter because of my wheelchair we're so happy to be otherwise healthy and financially sound enough to travel as we do. So much to see and experience!
Just was referred to your blog by a disabled friend. Wonderful story you are telling and it looks that you two see more than most ever will! I absolutely love the top photo of the ruins. Remarkable!
ReplyDeleteThanks RV AJ. It's pretty cool that many of the ruins can be seen from the overlooks. They may not physically accessible to everyone but the view of them is still great!
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