Via the southwest corner of Colorado I was driving from New Mexico to Utah. “Mesa Verde National Park” the sign read as I drove by. Everyone I’d spoken to about Puebloan society had mentioned this place as one of two pinnacles of their civilization, Chaco being the other. “Hundreds of cliff dwellings” I had been told. “Oh to heck with my schedule,” I thought and started the long drive into the park.
This national park is huge. You drive forty minutes just to arrive at the Visitors Center but it’s worth it. Once grounded with an overview, I quickly headed off to check out the closest cluster of cliff dwellings. I had to hurry to get back in time for the final tour of Spruce Tree House. It’s a cluster of 80 dwellings which I’d get to see close-up. It all worked out beautifully as you’ll see. I have the generosity of the Rangers to thank for helping me make the most of my short visit.
Once I’d actually seen the ruins something “clicked” in my head. I knew these places. I’d seen them as a kid in pictures at school. The feeling of awe I had as a child came back in full bloom. How did they build these places? Why did they choose such precarious locations? How did they live practical lives having to scale the cliffs all the time? Where did they all go? That wonder I felt lingers still. What amazing accomplishments.
See if you don’t feel the same when you browse the pictures below.
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