Mesa Verde is one of 50 must see places in a lifetime!  Known nationally and internationally as one of the most concentrated archaeological sites for cliff dwellings and some of the most significant sites of the archaeological community with approximately twenty-four Native American tribes claiming cultural roots to Mesa Verde National Park, this magnificent area needs to be seen to be appreciated.    For those seniors wanting to set aside a special commemorative trip, this could be the one.  In December 2005, the Mesa Verde National Park will be celebrating a 100 year birthday!   Beginning in December 2005 and lasting through 2006, you can look forward to specialized tours, Indian dances, art exhibits, Native American crafts displayed for purchase, and two special concerts to be announced.  In addition to the many area celebrations, on June 29, 2006, a full-day Centennial celebration will take a “walk back through time.”  Featured will be some of the famous characters who were instrumental in developing the park’s history.  Music, keynote speakers, and a tribal blessing will be forthcoming.  BBQ and campfire programs will finish off this particular day.

For seniors who want to leave behind memories for their grandchildren, this would be a must see and do trip!  Take along a journal and your camera to help you capture the sights and sounds of the moment .  For those who want to sit around a fireplace on a rainy day and relive the wondrous sites of your travels, this would be a highlight to put in your photo books.  Mesa Verde country has a wheelchair accessible cliff dwelling site – Spruce Tree, a self-guided tour which doesn’t require tickets but does require that you call ahead to see when it is open.  Weatherill Mesa offers a 12 mile road for sightseeing and a free tram to tour the Mesa villages.  Here’s a tip from the area:  “most of the Mesa Verde’s famous cliff dwellings face west, so afternoon photography is the most rewarding, the exception is Balcony House, which catches early morning sun.”   Seasonal schedules apply to each dwelling site.  Entrance to the park costs $10/car or $65 for a yearly National Parks Pass, or if you have the Golden Age &/or the Golden Eagle Pass, these open the gate to your adventure.

Besides the outdoor wonders, some of which require you to be in fairly flexible condition for climbing in and out of the archaeological sites, there are many cultural sites such as museums, train rides, shopping, and dining, which can make this vacation spot endeared to your heart. 

One dining experience you’ll remember is the Metate Room, a top-ten restaurant experience according to the Denver Post.  Far View Lodge, the only lodge inside Mesa Verde National Park has special offers for the tourist.  Special lodge and tour packages are available.  

Because you’ll be in varying elevations, Mesa Verde country ranges from 4,000 ft to 14,000 ft; you’ll need to be aware that for every one thousand feet in elevation the temperature changes by five degrees Fahrenheit.  Plan to layer clothes even during the summer months.  Two of the most scenic byways in the US wind through Mesa Verde Country.  “Trail of the Ancients” follows highlights of the Puebloan world, circling by the Anasazi Heritage Center, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument, Four Corners Monument, the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, and Mesa Verde National Park.  Plan to spend at least three days touring this area in order to take in the vast area of historical sites.  The San Juan Skyway is the other scenic byway not to be missed.  Mining towns, mountain passes, canyons, and valleys transport you back in time.  Towns, Dolores, Rico, Telluride, Ridgeway, Ouray, and Silverton sport “have to see” architecture along with the many tall tales of folklore that surrounds these mountain mining camps.

Seniors who love hunting will find in the fall season, outfitters waiting to show you the best spots around.  Other activities in Mesa Verde Country include a Beer Fest in September, Wine and Art Festival the second weekend in October.  This two day event showcases Colorado wines, foods from the local restaurants, music and art from some of the most creative artists living!  Arts and Crafts Fiestas, Pueblo to Pueblo run/walk, Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo, or Country Fair, with other historic festivals taking place through 2006.  .  For other activities within Mesa Verde Country you can contact these chamber towns:  Mancos – 970-533-7434. , Dolores – 800-807-4712 , Crow Canyon – 800-422-8975 , “Gold Metal “fishing (highest quality of fishing for large trout) at the Animas River that runs through Durango (the Animas is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the entire Western United States), golf courses open May through October, guided tours and specialty tours such as “ghost towns,” museums galore, and of course hot springs just for your leisure or health, your choice – Durango – 800-525-8855. 

See my other article for more Colorado information in the RV section of our magazine.

Don’t let this one pass you by!  Happy Traveling!

(Photos courtesy of Durango, Telluride, and Pagosa Springs Chambers of Commerce)