The Place Where People Met Nature: Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park, Spanish for ‘Green Table’, is a must-stop for every tour around the USA. Visiting the park allows you to discover the home of the Ancestral Puebloan people (A.D. 600 -1300) through the park’s 5,000 known archaeological sites, which includes 600 of their cliff dwellings.

The best way to take advantage of the spectacular views is by hiking, but be aware that there are many restrictions on different trails in order to protect the fragile and irreplaceable archaeological sites and artifacts. 

Entering the cliff dwellings is only permitted if accompanied by a uniformed National Park Service ranger. Also take into account the option of a guided tour with a professional local guide.