Chris B.
Located approximately 400 miles from Denver, Mesa Verde provides visitors a glimpse into the past. The ruins, which date back to between 600-1300 AD, have been wonderfully preserved by the dry Colorado climate. Mesa Verde National Park is home to 600 cliff dwellings and close to 5000 archaeological sites. The agrarian society began to inhabit the cliffs during the late 1100s. In addition to the cliff dwellings, the park itself is home to many spectacular natural views. Hiking trails abound ranging from the 5 mile Farming Terrace Trail to the 7.8 mile Prater Ridge Trail. My daughter snapped the pictures below when she visited the park on a school trip a few years ago.
Great structures that must be slightly cool despite the hot sun since they are carved from the cliff.