Mesa Verde National Park

Travel | Mesa Verde National Park

While visiting familiar places, I sometimes have a habit of keeping my big camera tucked away. This is what happened during my most recent trip to Mesa Verde National Park.

I have had the pleasure of driving the scenic entrance road six times, always wearing a huge smile. Each visit offers quiet hikes, stunning views of cliff dwellings and distant snow capped mountains.

Thoughts from my first visit are shared here.

Favorite Hikes + Places to Explore

• Knife Ridge Trail - this 2 mile trail offers great views of Montezuma Valley.

• Petroglyph Point Trail - as the name suggests, this 2.4 mile hike offers the only views of petroglyphs in the park.

• Point Lookout Trail - another great trail for valley views. Both Montezuma Valley and Mancos Valley may be seen from this 2.2 mile hike.

• Prater Ridge Trail - a 7.8 mile hike following a loop along the top of the ridge.

• Spruce Canyon Trail - one of my favorites, taking you down and through Spruce Canyon over a 2.4 mile hike.