#mesa verde national park self guided tours

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Plan Your Adventure: A Complete Mesa Verde National Park Guide

A thousand years ago, the Four Corners region was home to the Ancestoral Puebloans. Here, they built elaborate and beautiful dwellings into the cliffsides. In my Mesa Verde National Park guide, I show you how to plan a trip to this amazing place.

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Experience the beauty and wonder of Mesa Verde National Park like never before. Our self-guided drive tour allows you to explore this ancient and historic park at your own pace, with the convenience of a personal tour guide on your phone. 

[thomas-travel-tales]

Day 9 - This morning I made some pancakes for breakfast, we filled up our coffees and water bottles, and headed across the road to Mesa Verde National Park. Yesterday, we didn’t have much time to explore, so we just did a hike that was located just inside the park entrance. Today, we drove to the end of the park which takes about 45 minute from the entrance to see the cliff dwellings, pit houses, and kivas. The park is closed for tours due to Covid, but they have an app which offers a self guided tour. We enjoyed learning about the ancestral Pueblo people and their way of life. Our favorites were Cliff Palace and the Sun Temple. We took the Soda Canyon hike for a better view of Balcony House and then headed back to pack up the camper and head out to our next destination. We drove through Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and back into Utah. We passed 4 corners but it was closed, I’m assuming due to Covid. We passed by Lake Powell. The blue water against the burnt orange rocks looked dreamy. Everyone was too tired to drive down and check it out, so we settled for a quick pull off and picture. In Page we finally got a little cell reception and we were able to catch the end of the Browns game. It was an exciting half and helped make the long drive a little more tolerable. We finally pulled into our campsite in Kanab. I think our nonstop schedule is starting to get to everyone. We were all exhausted and slightly (or majorly) irritable. We had a quick dinner and everyone headed to bed.

[nationalparkposters]

Best Things To Do in Mesa Verde National Park

Best Things To Do in Mesa Verde National Park: Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906 to preserve and interpret the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from 600 to 1300 CE. Today, the park protects nearly 5,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States. My name is Rob Decker and I'm a photographer and graphic artist with a single great passion for America's National Parks! I've been to 51 of our 62 National Parks — and Mesa Verde is a unique park, given its historical and archeological significance. I have explored most areas of the park — so I'm ready to help! So if this is your first time to the park, or your returning after many years, here are some of the best things to do in Mesa Verde National Park! Self-Guided Tours Spruce Tree House - Best-Preserved Cliff Dwelling You can observe Spruce Tree House from viewpoints near the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. Rangers are available at the overlook to answer questions and share information. Mesa Top Loop Road - Auto Tour - 700 Years of Mesa Verde History A 6-mile driving tour with short, paved trails. Twelve easily-accessible sites, including surface dwellings and cliff dwelling overlooks. Highlights include Square Tower House, Sun Point Overlook, and views of Cliff Palace from Sun Point and Sun Temple stops. Far View Sites Complex - Five Mesa Top Villages & Far View Reservoir Far View House plus four other villages and a dry reservoir on a level 3/4-mile (1.2 km) unpaved trail. Four miles north of the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. Step House - Pithouse, Petroglyphs and Cliff Dwelling   A 100 foot descent and ascent on a winding path. Total walking distance is about one mile (1.6 km) round-trip. Allow 45 minutes to one hour. Trail begins near the Wetherill Mesa Kiosk. Badger House Trail - Trail to Four Mesa Top Sites The 2.25 mile round-trip trail through Badger House Community surface sites begins at Wetherill Mesa Kiosk. Your walk through this area is a journey through 600 years of prehistory. Combination gravel and paved trail. Cliff Dwelling Guided Tours Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House can only be visited by taking a ranger-guided tour which are very popular. A tour of Long House, on Wetherill Mesa, can be taken on the same day as a Cliff Palace or Balcony House tour. Tours can be strenuous. There are no height or age restrictions for tours, but children must be capable of walking the extent of the trails, climbing ladders, and negotiating steps independently. All infants must be carried in backpacks while on tours and adults carrying children in backpacks must be able to maintain mobility and balance. Tour tickets for Balcony House, Cliff Palace, and Long House must be purchased in person. Tour tickets sell out quickly, but can be purchased up to two days in advance. Cliff Palace - Mesa Verde's Largest Cliff Dwelling This one-hour, ranger-guided tour involves climbing five, 8-10 foot ladders, on a 100 foot vertical climb. Total walking distance is about 1/4-mile, round-trip. The tour begins at Cliff Palace Overlook, an 23-mile, one-hour drive from the Visitor and Research Center. Cliff Palace Twilight Tours Enjoy an intimate, leisurely encounter with Mesa Verde's largest cliff dwelling. Dramatic sun lighting will appeal to both amateur and professional photographers as well as those seeking a deeper connection with this extraordinary archeological treasure. Balcony House - Adventurous Cliff Dwelling Tour This one-hour, ranger-guided tour involves climbing a 32-foot ladder, crawling through a 12-foot long tunnel, and climbing up a 60-foot open rock face with two 10-foot ladders to exit the site. The tour begins at the Balcony House parking area, a 25-mile, 1-1/4 hour drive from the Visitor Center. Long House - Mesa Verde's Most In-Depth Tour   Starting at the Wetherill Mesa information kiosk, this two-hour ranger-guided tour involves hiking at least 2.25 miles round-trip, and climbing two 15-foot ladders within the site. The hike has an elevation gain of about 130 feet. The tour ends at the Long House trailhead, giving you the choice of returning to the kiosk or exploring more of Wetherill Mesa on your own. Allow about 2.5 hours (total) for tour and return to kiosk. Half-Day Guided Bus Tours Mid-April to mid-October Mesa Verde National Park concessioner, Aramark Leisure, conducts guided bus tours that offer modern views of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Tours include the 700 Years and Far View Explorer Tours. Tickets may be purchased at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, Far View Lodge and Terrace, and Morefield Campground. Balcony House Sunrise Tour Rise before dawn, and experience the magic of Balcony House at sunrise! For centuries, Pueblo farmers have been observing the sky and the change of seasons. Take the Sunrise Tour of Balcony House at summer solstice or fall equinox and join in the long tradition of skywatching in Mesa Verde. On this 90-minute tour, you will climb a 32-foot ladder, crawl through and 18-inch wide and 12-foot long tunnel, and climb up a 60-foot open cliff face with stone steps and two 10-foot ladders to exit. Cliff Palace Early Bird Tour Looking for an early morning adventure? This daily, early bird tour offers the benefits of a smaller group size, cooler temperatures, and the ability to reserve a tour of Cliff Palace in advance with online reservations! On this 60-minute tour, you will descend uneven stone steps and climb four ladders, with an elevation change of 100 feet. Total walking distance is 1/4 mile. Evening Programs Morefield Campground Evening Program In 1907, archeologist Jesse Fewkes began the first evening campfire talks in the history of the National Park Service at Mesa Verde. That tradition continues today. Enjoy a free, 45-60 minute presentation each evening by rangers at the Morefield Amphitheater (weather permitting). The amphitheater is located at the end of the road in Morefield Campground. Bring a flashlight. Program is free and offered each evening. Bird Watching Mesa Verde National Park is home to several distinct habitats. The types of species which you will encounter depends on the habitat present. If you are an avid birder, make sure to purchase a copy of the brochure, "Checklist of the Birds." This will help you locate where species are found in the park. The listing of birds in this page will get you started as a bird watcher in Mesa Verde. Take the Petroglyph Point or Spruce Canyon Trail and look for warblers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, jays, hawks, chickadees, titmice, and other species. The Knife Edge Trail also has good birding. If you are lucky, you may see a peregrine falcon or a golden eagle soar from its nest out across the Montezuma Valley. During the summer months, you can walk the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail near Balcony House, or the short trail to the Park Point lookout. The Park Point area is a good place to see hawks, towhees, grouse and eagles, in addition to the many species listed above. In the fall, you may want to take the Knife Edge Trail early in the morning to catch migrating warblers and hummingbirds feeding on the Indian Paint Brush. During winter months, be on the lookout for chickadees, nuthatches, an occasional brown creeper, canyon wrens, woodpeckers, flickers, and jays during your Spruce Tree House tour. Turkey vultures usually arrive in late March and leave in early October, so the large black birds you see will likely be common ravens or the vivid black-billed magpie. Photography Picture Taking Tips Some cliff dwellings are open only from late spring through early fall. During the off-season, photos may be taken from the overlooks above the cliff dwellings, weather permitting. Most of the cliff dwellings are best photographed in mid-to-late afternoon. If you have an adjustable lens we suggest you close your lens down at least 1/2 stop from what the photo meter indicates (spot meters excepted). For example, in black and white photography the front walls of Cliff Palace will give your meter a false light reading. We suggest you bracket your settings on Cliff Palace exposures.  Best Times to Photograph by Season June to September - 3:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. October to November - 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. December to March - 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. April to May - 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. During mid and late fall and early and mid spring the sun is lower in the southern sky and more light strikes the cliff dwellings. Winter light is generally less bright. On overcast days the soft light allows for photos to be taken that will show good details and subtle colors. During the winter months there is less vegetation obstructing views from the overlooks after the scrub oak has lost its leaves for the season. Stargazing While not offered as a guided activity, Mesa Verde National Park provides wonderful opportunities for stargazing. Since there are no large cities in the Four Corners region, there is very little artificial light to detract from the stars in the night sky. Most nights the skies are clear and full of stars. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way. The locations recommended for stargazing in the park are listed below: Far View Lodge The only lodging available in the park from mid-April to mid-October. Each room has a balcony where guests can see for miles. For visitor safety, this area is well-lit. You may want to seek out a darker place, if this obstructs your view of the stars. Morefield Campground The only place to camp in the park from mid-May to mid-October. Located in the Morefield Valley, this is an especially place good for looking at stars since there is little artificial light. Join a ranger at the Morefield Amphitheater for the nightly (Memorial Day through Labor Day) campfire program. Bring a flashlight for the walk back to your campsite. Montezuma or Mancos Overlooks These are really the best areas in the park for stargazing. If you are staying outside of the park or want to get away from artificial lights, both of these overlooks along the Main Park Road provide views of the twinkling lights of the valley towns and the stars above. Unfortunately, these areas are not available for overnight camping. Click here to see the Mesa Verde National Park poster. Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who had the rare privilege of studying under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. Now, Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph all of America's National Parks. He's creating WPA-style posters to help people celebrate their own national park adventures — as well as encourage others to get out and explore! https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/best-things-to-do-in-mesa-verde-national-park

[rolldoortodoorelectricbikec-blog]

Bike Tours

ROLL door-to-door electric bike rental created a map of self-guided e-bike tours that are easy to find and a lot of fun—from nearby local favorites, like the Animas River Trail and Fort Lewis College to a little bit longer tours out to the Colorado Trail, Lake Nighthorse and Mesa Verde National Park (we deliver the e-bikes to you at Mesa Verde).

Whether you're looking for your next fishing spot or want a fun and unique romantic night on the town, our bike rental service caters to all. Check out the bike tours and themes that we've created for you at ROLL door-to-door electric bike rental today!

https://www.bikerentalsdurango.com

[lueoutdoors]

Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906 to preserve and interpret the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from 600 to 1300 CE. Today, the park protects nearly 5,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States. @nationalparkservice 1st Annual Summer of Colorado Loves Camping: Mesa Verde Ton of fun, learn a lot, cool to see, want to go back! Only negative: it’s really hot!!! We are for sure going to do guided tours next time so we can see the “best” of the dwellings. What’s in the pics with me: @findlayhats Hat @cassetteeyewear Sunglasses @livingstonebrand Alberta Pack @etnies Shoes @livelarq Self Cleaning & Filtering Water Bottle Hook up with them and Gear Up With Us at mooluecolorado.com #colorado #travel (at Mesa Verde National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1kYL6qg1_k/?igshid=1tl2k8pgjvtk1

[wikitopx]

Travelers come here to enjoy the famous red rocks.

Hundreds of hiking trails and Jeep tours will lead you to some fantastic vistas, while a trip to Red Rock State Park will fully immerse you in crimson. But there is more to Sedona than to geology; Enjoy the history of the town by visiting the Palatki Heritage. And for a glimpse of the area's New Age culture, stop in at one of the many crystal-toting shops or art galleries at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (many of these stores also provide maps for notorious whirlwinds).

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1. Hiking Trails

The area boasts more than 100 different trails, each offering its own unique experience. Most lead into the red rocks, giving brave explorers valuable photos of postcards. Visitors are fascinated with the many Sedona trails, but the most popular one is the Cathedral Rock Trail, which starts about 4 miles south of the "Y" intersection.

Although this is not the easiest trip, this road offers a great view of one of Sedona's most notable red rock formations. Recent visitors said the effort is definitely worth the point. For a less strenuous journey that still promises Cathedral Rock, try Airport Mesa Loop, an easy route near Sedona Airport.

Other common hiking trails include Bell Rock Road, Devil's Bridge, Boynton Gorge, and Palatki Ruins, home to a number of ancient Native American relics and cave paintings.

2. Jeep Tours

If your feet need a break from all hiking, but you don't have the stunning views of Sedona yet, book a jeep tour. A popular activity for Sedona visitors, these tours are usually led by a guide and vary by theme or activity level.

For example, the Ancient Ruins Tour offered by Pink Jeep Tours is very popular for history lovers because it visits a Honanki Heritage site, among other highlights. Meanwhile, the Soldiers Pass Trail offered by Red Rock Western Jeep Tours is a hit with those looking for a break from the crowds as it traverses a trail rarely used by other commercial groups.

If you want to get behind the wheel yourself, some companies, such as Barlow Adventures, allow you to rent a jeep and explore the surrounding red rocks independently (with some driving tips and maps). The trail is provided before driving).

3. The Vortexes

Sedona visitors often hear about tornadoes - energy vortices coming directly from the earth that can be felt by those present. These tornadoes are represented by unique rock formations thought to generate energy.

Although all Sedona is thought to be a whirlwind, there are four main cyclones in the city, each emitting its own energy. The vortices are classified as "feminine" (energy entering the earth) or "masculine" (energy leaving the earth).

The Airport Vortex, along Route 89A just west of the intersection of routes 89A and 179 (the "Y") is said to produce masculine energy, strengthening one's self-confidence and motivation.

Meanwhile, Rock Rock Cathedral near Red Rock State Park promotes feminine aspects such as kindness, patience, and compassion. Boynton Canyon Vortex, northwest of the "Y" along Dry Creek Road, offers a balance between masculine and feminine energy.

And Bell Rock Vortex, south of "Y" along Route 179, offers a combination of all three: masculine, feminine and balanced. Many recent visitors cannot speak enough about the beauty of Bell Rock, but there are also many smaller, more subtle whirlpools found throughout the area.

4. Red Rock Scenic Byway

The 7.5-mile-long Red Rock View Road, starting after you exit the road off Interstate 17, has a lot to see and do. In fact, it's often referred to as a "museum without walls." Highlights include sightseeing, hiking, biking and even golfing.

There are also two tornadoes to check out, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock in the Village of Oak Creek (also known as the Big Park). The village also includes restaurants, galleries, and other shops to visit. Coconino National Forest is another popular stop, with many stunning views.

You can stop by the Red Rock District Visitor Center to select a map and get advice on trails and other activities in the area. Recent byway visitors gush about how beautiful the scenery is and can't recommend it enough.

Others warn that you may get distracted by the gorgeous scenery, so plan to make use of the many lookout points to safely admire the byway.

5. Chapel of the Holy Cross

If you only have time for a cultural venue, the Chapel of the Cross will be it. This magnificent church was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude who was a student of architect Frank Lloyd Wright) in the 1950s, protrudes from the red cliff less than 4 miles south of " Y "Sedona's intersection.

The main stained glass window is held by a huge cross and overlooks the Verde Valley. While many visitors have recently been raving about breathtaking views, most say the site's peaceful atmosphere is the central reason to stop.

Reviewers also warned of limited parking and heavy midday crowds - plan a morning visit for a quieter experience. Others say that it makes a nice stop along the Red Rock Scenic Byway (the chapel is located at the northern end of the highway).

6. Red Rock State Park

Although Sedona is surrounded by towering red rock formations, many recent visitors recommend a trip to the official Red Rock State Park specifically to see Cathedral Rock – one of Arizona's most famous landmarks.

This 286-acre nature preserve – located about 10 miles southwest of the "Y" (the intersection of routes 89A and 179) along Oak Creek – boasts great views of Sedona's more famous formations.

The park offers a 5-mile trail network that is composed of interconnecting looped trails. The Eagle's Nest Loop leads to the highest point in the park with an elevation gain of 300 feet. Stop in at the visitor center to learn about the area's history, guided nature walks, and moonlit hikes.

Reviewers raved about the natural beauty of the park and many go as far as saying it is their favorite place in all of Sedona. The park is famous for people of all ages because hiking trails vary in difficulty and length; It even offers Junior Ranger for children aged 6 to 12 years old.

7. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

When you need to take a break on the trails, exchange those hiking shoes for something more appealing and head to the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village (pronounced Tel-AH-ki-PAH- ki).

Located at the intersection of 89A and 179 routes, this sizable outdoor shopping mall is designed in the style of a traditional Mexican village. The complex was built on a former sycamore forest and is specially cared for to maintain existing trees.

As a result, many structures of the village were built around theaters, paving the way for interesting architecture and forgiving shade. The stucco walls include a lot of art galleries. New Age stores sell modern art and glassware, and restaurants, while cobblestone streets and mosaic fountains bring a gourd. ancient atmosphere charm.

Many tourists recommend spending a few hours surfing the Tlaquepaque and checking out local handmade jewelry, food, music, and especially art. Though many felt the wares sold here were too high-priced, reviewers still suggested a visit for the restaurants and architecture.

8. Verde Valley Wine Trail

When it comes to the land of wine, Arizona often doesn't come to mind. But the Verde Valley near Sedona provides a dry climate and access to water where grapes need to thrive. If you are a vino fan, consider taking a day to follow the Verde Valley Wine Trail;

This self-guided tour takes you to some of the area's most famous wineries, including Alcantara Vineyard, Trang Springs Wine Cellar, Oak Creek Vineyard, and Javelina Leap Vineyard, as well as several rooms. taste. Most stops allow you to tour the grounds and sample locally made wine.

Recent followers have praised the vineyards for their beautiful atmosphere and varied choices. You can download a passport on the trail's website, which once you get it stamped, allows you to earn special offers and prizes.

9. Sedona Spas

It should come as no surprise that this city of spiritual healing has no shortage of spas. You'll find basic massages and salt scrubs, but many Sedona spas also add some local accents to their treatments.

For example, Mii Amo Spa at Enchantment Resort offers a special package infused with Sedona clay, along with Native American-inspired therapies. For a New Age experience, A Spa For You helps balance your chakra by introducing polarizing gemstones to its deep-tissue massages.

Sedona's recent travelers have also proposed Sedona's New Day Spa and Inner Journey because of the soothing atmosphere and various treatments. Customers claim to have left feeling nothing short of relaxed and rejuvenated.

Before deciding on your treatment, you should note that some resort spas only offer treatments for hotel guests, so it's a good idea to call ahead and check. Hours and prices vary depending on the facility and the desired treatment. For more information, visit the spa page of the Sedona Tourism Board website.

10. Palatki Heritage Site

For a glimpse of what life was like in the red rocks between A.D. 1150 and 1350, drive to the Palatki Heritage. These ancient cliff houses were once home to the Hopi tribe and are now one of the largest cave houses in the area.

The hieroglyphs that cover the walls of the site impress many visitors. Recent visitors also praised the information staff and enthusiasm. There are three hiking trails at Palatki Heritage Area - one that takes you directly to houses on Sinagua cliffs, one that leads you to a view of the housing and another to hieroglyphs.

Each of these roads is about 1/4 of a way in size and are all recommended by travelers.

More ideals for you: Top 10 things to do in Washington DC

From : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-sedona-arizona-703222.html

[travelonlinetips-blog]

New Post has been published on https://travelonlinetips.com/10-places-you-need-to-see-on-a-road-trip-from-boulder-to-mesa-verde/

10 places you need to see on a road trip from Boulder to Mesa Verde

The amazing Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Photo courtesy of iStock / bboserup

There are three routes to take from Northern Colorado to the far southwestern corner, home of the historic and ancient Mesa Verde National Park. But the most scenic – and quickest – is via U.S. 285 and U.S. 160.

Although you may be tempted to take the interstate to avoid the mountain driving, it’s the worst route to Mesa Verde in terms of traffic jams and a lack of scenery. Just take the winding highways slowly, take time to stop in the small mountain towns along the way, and soon you’ll come out in the valley with some of the state’s most impressive views.

Here are 10 things to see and do from Boulder, Colo., to Mesa Verde.

1. See the “good views” in Buena Vista

U.S. 285

The Buena Vista area in the clouds — Photo courtesy of Aimee Heckel

U.S. 285 will bring you right through Buena Vista, which is known as the whitewater rafting capital of Colorado. It also boasts Buena Vista River Park, one of the largest parks of its kind in the United States.

Even if you don’t like the rapids, there’s a reason why this town is named after the Spanish words for “good view.” It’s surrounded by 14,000-foot mountains and offers stunning, impossibly beautiful scenery.

2. Stop for a bite in Saguache

U.S. 285

It would be easy (and tempting) to blast through the teeny town of Saguache, but stop to smell the cinnamon rolls. Tucked in Saguache is the 4th Street Diner, with its surprisingly delicious bakery. Fill up on massive and delicious breakfast burritos in this cozy restaurant adorned with 1950s posters and oversized booths.

It feels like time-traveling and epitomizes all that is wonderful about a small-town diner. It’s inexpensive, has friendly service and serves generous portions of home-cooked meals.

3. See reindeer in Del Norte

U.S. 160

Reindeer at ElkUSA in Del Norte — Photo courtesy of Aimee Heckel

A hidden gem on the side of the highway in Del Norte is the ElkUSA ranch, a huge elk and deer retailer. You’ll know you’re there when you see the reindeer wandering through the fields. Score all kinds of decorative antlers (or snacks for your dogs) in the back room of horns.

In the main store, you can find every kind of meat and jerky imaginable: elk, rabbit, wild boar, bear, deer, buffalo, bison, goat and even smoked salmon and trout.

4. See a massive waterfall near Wolf Creek Pass

U.S. 160

The 100-foot Treasure Falls — Photo courtesy of Aimee Heckel

The 100-foot Treasure Falls waterfall near Wolf Creek Pass is a natural wonder that locals love and many visitors don’t know about. The waterfall is visible from the highway, and a quick pull-off will bring you to the trailhead. There are several trails to choose from, and the bridge provides a great photo op.

Brave hikers can head to the top lookout, where you can see eye-to-eye with the head of the waterfall. Beware: the air is frigid any time of year and the splashes are so cold they hurt. The railings here are perpetually covered in icicles, which is beautiful, but will get you headed back down quickly.

5. Unwind in Pagosa Springs

U.S. 160

One of the many hot springs in Pagosa Springs — Photo courtesy of Aimee Heckel

Pagosa Springs is one of our favorite hot springs destinations in Colorado, and the Springs Resort here is a destination in and of itself.

Here, you can hop between 23 different mineral springs of varying sizes, temperatures and styles, from riverside to waterfall-bedecked to a private hot springs island on the other side of a bridge. The water here is known for its natural health benefits and comes from the “mother pool,” the deepest geothermal pool in the world, at more than 1,000 feet deep. (Don’t try to swim in there!)

6. Browse downtown Durango

U.S. 160

Views from downtown Durango — Photo courtesy of iStock / KaraGrubis

There’s so much to do in Durango that it warrants its own special trip, but if you only have an afternoon, explore the lengthy and bustling downtown. You can find excellent shops and restaurants here, as well as many breweries.

Grab a brew at Carver Brewing Company and enjoy it in the hidden back patio. Steamworks’ patio is hoppin’ in the evenings, and the food is excellent, too.

7. See forgotten ghost towns

U.S. 160

A must-do in Durango: go on a four-wheeling excursion with Durango Rivertrippers and Adventure Tours. A guide will take you up dirt roads deep into the mountains (where you’d most likely never venture on your own).

Look for bear tracks along the river, spot wildflowers and drive through eerie former mining communities that are now rickety, dusty ghost towns. The remaining structures are a reminder of the area’s history – and how things change.

8. Stay off the grid in a yurt at Mancos State Park

Off U.S. 160 and Hwy 42

A yurt in Mancos in the distance — Photo courtesy of Aimee Heckel

A yurt provides all of the joys of camping, but without the inconveniences. Colorado Parks and Wildlife rents out two yurts in Mancos State Park.

There’s no heat (other than the wood-burning stove) or plumbing here (you use a vault-type toilet), and the electricity is limited. But this will be the best part of your trip; it’s one step above camping, yet still centered around nature and solitude.

9. See Colorado from above

U.S. 160

The view from Wetherill Mesa — Photo courtesy of Aimee Heckel

Once you reach Mesa Verde National Park, take time to steer away from the busiest path and explore the less popular Wetherill Mesa Road. This mini road trip westward brings you 12 miles deep into the park along a winding and steep road, past breathtaking and dramatic overlooks and through an unusual fire trail.

At the top awaits the historic Long House site, a covered picnic area. You’ll have the opportunity to rent bikes to take along the five-mile Long House Loop. See various ancient archaeological sites along the way, while you avoid the busiest crowds.

10. Climb into an ancient kiva

U.S. 160

The Spruce Tree House — Photo courtesy of Aimee Heckel

If you only have time to do one thing at Mesa Verde National Park, visit the ancient Spruce Tree House. Prepare your legs and lungs for the steep hike down (and remember that what goes down must also come back up).

The huffing and puffing is worth it when you see this cliff dwelling designed by Puebloans in the 1200s. Although Spruce Tree is not the largest site in the park, people of all ages enjoy climbing down into the underground kiva, a circular ceremonial chamber accessible via a wooden ladder.

Plus, Spruce Tree House is conveniently located near the museum and cafes. It’s self-guided and free to visit.

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Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier National Monument

Frijoles Canyon, New Mexico

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Clear, 95°

“Truly it may be said that the outside of a mountain is good for the inside of man.” – George Wherry

There is a beautiful drive to the northwest of Santa Fe that leads to Bandelier National Monument (NM) featuring distant vistas and towering mountains in several directions

Bandelier National Monument Sign

Like other National Monuments, it is run by rangers for the National Park Service.  They man and maintain the Monument and surrounding areas within its boundaries, preserving an important link in the history of the Pueblo people.

Dwelling with Petroglyph

Adolph Bandelier, after whom the park is named, was one of many people to become fascinated with the story of the inhabitants of Frijoles Canyon.  Archeologist and other scientists have studied the evidence of the Ancestral Pueblo culture in an attempt to reconstruct the story of these early people.

 Horse Petroglyph on Wall

 There are five Ancestral Pueblo Groups in the Four Corners area in the United States which border Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.  They are known as Chaco, Mesa Verde, Little Colorado, Kayenta, and Rio Grande.  There are 19 Monuments within this four state region giving all kinds of opportunities to explore the different tribes and its culture. 

 Adobe Cliff Dwelling

 The area around this park is part of the Pajarito Plateau, formed by two violent eruptions of the Jemez Volcano more than a million years ago.  Located fourteen miles to the northwest, this powerful volcano ejected enough material to cover this four hundred-square-mile area with a layer of volcanic ash up to one thousand feet thick.  Each of the two Jemez eruptions was six hundred times more powerful than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. (Info from the Bandelier National Monument Brochure)

Nature’s Eruption

Today is hot, like many days on this trip, so with plenty of water and snacks in hand the hiking trail is about one and a half miles when taking in all 21 stops on the self-guided tour.  The path leading out into Frijoles Canyon is paved and winds its way through the different desert vegetation.  There are squirrels and a few rabbits wandering around looking for shade or foraging for food. 

Squirrel

The trail starts out fairly flat until you reach the first Big Kiva pit.  There are the remains of a central plaza with three kiva pits and what once was a small two story village (Tyuonyi) which once contained approximately 400 rooms that housed approximately 100 people.

Kiva Pit

Ancient Village Walls

Walking past this village, a climb starts up to the canyon wall to the cliff dwelling living areas.  The trail curves its way around leading to several different sections of stairs gaining altitude to the cliff dwellings.  Several had wooden ladders to gain entrance into the cave rooms or “cavates”.  

Kiva Ladder

The cliff dwellings are on the south face of the canyon wall, which provides warmth in winter months, rather than the shaded northern side of the canyon.

Cliff Dwelling

The path gets narrower and the steps single file as you climb up to the higher cavates. 

Narrow Path

Looking out over the valley floor you see the small village below and the panorama of the canyon walls, the Frijoles Creek flowing toward the Rio Grande River, is not far from this site.

Valley view of ancient village

Due to limited parking on site, there is parking close by in White Rock at the Visitor’s Center where a shuttle easily takes you to the Monument. 

White Rock Visitor’s Center

If you arrive before nine in the morning or after three in the afternoon, you may be able park at Bandelier but otherwise it is mandatory to take the shuttle.

[innlinkr]

Really Get Away From It All: The World's Most Remote Hotels InnLinkr

Sometimes we all need to get away from it all; sometimes the further away the better. When you're usual holiday destination will not suffice (out of boredom or a need to put as much distance between yourself and your everyday life as possible), there are a host of hotels around the world that will meet your needs. Some of them offer extreme luxury amid exotic surroundings, while others offer entirely new experiences in locations you would never have dreamed of visiting. Read about the top five most remote hotels in the world and start planning your next holiday.

• Bloomfield Lodge, Cairns, Australia

Bloomfield Lodge is located in Queensland's far north and trips guests to not one but two World Heritage Sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The lodge is recognized as one of the most exclusive luxury resorts in Australia. Only 34 guests are permitted at a time, so you can sure that your every need will be promptly met.

According to Forbes's list of remote hotels, to reach the lodge one must first charter a plane, then one has to drive through the Outback for a few hours and finally cruise some way down the Bloomfield River. When you ever arrive, however, you will find that all your troubles were worth it.

For starters, the lodge is nestled on the very edge of the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef is just across the bay. There are guided tours of the forest or you can follow some self-guided trails if you prefer. You can also go on guided bird watching tours, enjoy some relaxing fishing or more adrenalin infused tropical fishing out at sea, and laze in the seclusion of Kangaii Beach. Activities based around the lodge include an outdoor Jacuzzi, freshwater pool, spa and well stocked library with paperbacks and a selection of books and journals devoted to the ecology of the rainforest and region's local history. There is also a two-hour guided river cruise that will take you to the local Aboriginal community at Wujal Wujal, while giving you an opportunity to look out for birds and crocodiles.

• Kokopelli's Cave, Farmington, New Mexico

If you want remote but do not want to travel to the ends of the earth, Kokopelli's Cave might suit you. The cave, which is not a natural formation and is privately owned, is rather difficult to reach; even the owners recommend that you only try it if you¡¯re physically fit. But if it's seclusion you're after sleeping 70 feet below the earth is ideal.

The cave is located near the Mesa Verde National Monument in New Mexico and if you climb to the top of the cliff you'll be able to see all four states of the Four Corners area. It is only accessible by dirt roads and they are rough. They can be traversed by ordinary cars (up to a point), but 4x4s are recommended. If you're in a conventional car you will have to park it at the upper parking lot and walk the rest of the way, 4x4s will get you quite a bit further. If you're footing it, you'll have to…

Source by Phil Smulian

The post Really Get Away From It All: The World's Most Remote Hotels InnLinkr appeared first on InnLinkr.com | Stay Local and Save.

from https://innlinkr.com/really-get-away-from-it-all-the-worlds-most-remote-hotels-innlinkr/

[ohoutintheworld]

A to the Z

Friday

So tired going to the airport. We watched Shape of Water on the plane. 

Crazy line for the rental car shuttle. It moved quickly though. The self check in kiosk couldn’t read the bar code on my license and when we went to add me as a driver on the rental car at pick up, the woman kept telling me I was under 25. Except I am definitely 25. 

Barrio Queen - tacos, guac with pomegranate seeds, and tamales because our waitress said it was national tamale day. It seemed like a lot of food, but we said “Sure, why not?” We ended eating it all though. and we met a grackle in a palo verde “green stick” tree - the state tree of Arizona

Musical Instrument Museum - we had 3 hours and spent 2 hours in Asia before realizing we should move faster. They have audio headsets that automatically play audio to videos in the exhibits which is neat. It’s amazing how all these different cultures come up with similar ways to make music. It was odd though that other countries instruments were organized by culture and in the America section it was organized by genre. We also witnessed their giant mechanical band whose drummer was ahead of the beat.

We had to leave for the wedding rehearsal but got lost in the Biltmore complex. Afterwards we all had dinner at The Gladly, where they had set up baby pictures of the bride and groom on the tables. Food was pretty good although B makes better flourless chocolate cake. 

After dinner the “kids” hung out at the hotel’s pool. Us girls got there first and this group of kids with mostly this one obnoxious 12 year old kept asking us all how old we were. So annoying and offensive and I’m afraid for what he’ll be like when he’s in college. There was some swim racing and games of chicken but I was so tired. This day felt like two whole days. 

Saturday - Wedding Day

Started the day at 8 so all the girls could get their hair and make up done. Breakfast and lunch were delivered to our hotel room. Photographers in the afternoon.

A little windy during the ceremony and I had to fluff K’s dress so it would look perfect for the pictures. I didn’t think I would cry and didn’t even bring a tissue but A was crying the whole time, I could see only his face, and their vows were so sweet. 

We forgot to sign the guestbook! They took it away before we remembered to.

Quite a few people came up and complimented me on my toast. I am so relieved because I was nervous about writing something sufficiently sentimental and entertaining and not cheesy or generic. But people thought it was funny, concise, and well-paced/spoken. 

The venue was so pretty and we had so much fun dancing! The live band makes a difference compared to just a DJ. 

Sunday

We had breakfast at our airbnb. We never got to meet the host but we decided his life is just about traveling because that was all the paraphenalia in his house.

Sadly, it didn’t make sense to take my bouquet even though it’s the prettiest one I’ve ever seen so I left it for our host. 

Drove about 1hr north to Arcosanti, arriving around 11:45am. They have tours every hour except at noon, so in the meantime we had complimentary coffee in the cafeteria and walked the 20min visitor’s trail which takes you up on a ridge opposite the town for a nice view. 

Continued north to Montezuma Castle, a Native American dwelling built into an alcove in a cliff face. It’s relatively well-preserved because it’s sheltered. We saw some intense-looking black beetles. 

A few miles into Rt179 off of I-17, we were suddenly and completely blown away by the sudden change in landscape. I drove around a bend and these magnificent red rock formations came into view, rising up against the blue sky. It was so stunning. We pulled off into a scenic lookout and did a small hike in front of Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. 

B tried opening a nopales/prickly pear cactus to taste and got little needles all in his fingers. Unsurprisingly. 

Drove by Cathedral Rock but sadly didn’t have the time to go up it. Surely the view is incredible. 

I beat B in foosball while we waited. Went on in search of food and ended up at a burger place whose staff seemed too frantic. 

A very dark drive through Oak Creek. Towards the end the road has a string of semi-cricular hair-pin turns. I kept thinking I was nearly just driving in a circle.

Arrived at our Flagstaff airbnb and were greeted by a cat and dog. We immediately stepped onto the back porch to look at stars, but it’s chilly here. Much much more so than in Phoenix. 

I was reading brochures and travel guides and Bjorn got very sleepy. He wonders why.

Monday

The next day we drove to the Grand Canyon. We conveniently got breakfast and hiking snacks at the nearby grocery store but hit the road a little late. We got the the Grand Canyon entrance around 11 and there was a bit of a wait to pay to get in. We were still able to find parking though after driving through a number of full lots. 

You can walk along a paved path on the rim of the canyon but there are also some trails down. There are so many families with bothersome children we practically ran down to try and get away from all the other tourists. On the way down, we’d pass people coming up who seemed to be struggling. I suppose they hadn’t anticipated how hard it’d be to climb back up. We hiked 3 miles down to a little rest house and had lunch but it got super windy and cold and started snowing/raining a tiny bit. You get a different view from being in the canyon than when you’re above it though so hiking in is totally worth it. Going up was a bit challenging but I think for me it was mostly because of the elevation, which made me short of breath. We finished our round trip in 3 hrs and 5 min so there definitely would’ve been time to go a bit farther, especially if you get there early. But we walked along the rim to the far side, to the geology museum which is really just an exhibit with an overlook. From there we could see a tiny piece of the Colorado River. It really got quite chilly, but it was also amazing to see the light around sunset! 

We had gotten postcard stamps from the Grand Canyon post office so I filled out the one I got from the airbnb and mailed it to my parents. 

On our way out, we saw some elk on the side of the rode! At first I was confused about everyone driving slowly with their emergency lights on. 

We drove back to Flagstaff and had dinner at this fusion Asian noodle shop that had this Asian hip hop aesthetic? It had a lot of people inside so it seemed like a better option than the various bars. Bjorn got this ramen will all the kinds of pork in it though. Yum. We sat at the counter and it was funny watching the kitchen guys.

Tuesday

We drove up to Snowbowl mountain to go snowboarding!! The scenery is so beautiful and it’s strange to look down the mountain and see all the grasslands and different landscapes down below. We could even see the edge of the Grand Canyon about 90 miles away perhaps and all these mesas in the distance. The snow itself was like really fine ice-sand. Grainy and shallow on the ground so there wasn’t anything to land on if you fell. As the day went on it got a little warmer and a little slushy which actually made it a bit nicer. They have a few terrain parks so we filmed each other going off the jumps! And kind of landing them. It was also great because the mountain was fairly empty. No waiting in lines or even sharing lifts. 

After returning all our gear we drove back to Phoenix, again through Oak Creek and Sedona so we could see it in the daylight. Getting back to the rental car area was a bit of a navigational mess but we made it and had plenty of time at the airport so we sat down and had some din din. Lame-O American Airlines didn’t let us have carry-ons and we had to pay to check a bag and then we couldn’t even sit next to each other. 

[rangermac-blog1]

Mesa Verde National Park Spotlight

When you think of Colorado, the first thing that probably comes to mind are the mountains and skiing. Colorado does have plenty of those two things, and they are fun. But if you can get past the beautiful peaks, you will find that there is so much more out there! Ranger Mac is here to help you explore those other areas in Colorado by telling you about Mesa Verde National Park.

Mesa Verde is located between Mancos and Cortez, Colorado. It was the first national park in the United States that was established to protect archeological sites. It was designated in 1906, the same year President Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act. Later in 1978, Mesa Verde National Park became a World Heritage Site as well.

What You Will Find at Mesa Verde

As you take the 45 minute drive into the middle of the park, you will see some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. This area still remains an important place to the Pueblo people and was a home to their ancestors. The ancient Pueblo were successful farmers as well as skilled artisans. Along with these skills, they were also skilled builders who used simple technologies to create communities and the structures that you can see as you visit the park.

There are ranger-guided tours through parts of the park that offer a great deal of information for several sites. You can also explore the Pueblo communities on your own. If you do decide to explore on your own, make sure to visit at least one cliff dwelling, so you can really get a good sense of what life was like living in this unique type of home.

A Visitor and Research Center greets you as you enter Mesa Verde National Park. Make sure to stop in there. The park rangers are happy to help you look over a park map and help you decide how best to enjoy your visit while in the park.

What You Should Do Before Your Visit

As with any national park visit, it’s a good idea to know a bit about what you want to do and see before you arrive to best organize your time. Check out the park’s official website here for more information.

You should also check out maps of the area and plan ahead for lodgings, rest stops, and other necessities for your trip. There’s definitely enough to do in the Mesa Verde area to keep you and your family occupied for days, so plan ahead for a stay!

Make sure you get tickets for any ranger-guided tours of the cliff dwellings. You can get these tickets at the Visitor and Research Center located near highway 160 at the park's entrance. The rangers there can help you decide the best tours for your time and interest. The ticket prices are only $3, but the tour sizes are limited to a certain number of people and can fill up fast.

Available Hikes Through the Park

Step House - This is a relatively easy, self-guided experience that is popular with many visitors.

Weatherill and Mesa Experience - These are moderately difficult trails that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. (Hikes available September to early October.)

Mug House and Square Tower House - These are more challenging backcountry hikes that are not suitable for young children. (Hikes begin in late May.)

There are many other hiking trails available throughout the park, and you can choose which ones to explore based on your skill level or want for adventure. Again, you can check out the Mesa Verde National Park website for more information on specific hikes.

Where to Stay

There are lodgings and camping spots offered inside Mesa Verde National Park. The Far View Lodge sits on a high shoulder of the park right off the main park road. This location offers a panoramic view of the vistas into three states! There are various room sizes available for your needs and all offer a private balcony. The Lodge is open from April 13 to October 26. You can go online to check availability and make reservations here.

Morefield Campground sits four miles outside of Mesa Verde National Park in a canyon setting and offers single as well as group camping. There are a total of 267 camp sites in the area. This campsite's location is just minutes from hiking trails and the park itself. You can browse the gift shop or stop at the camping store to get any last-minute supplies.

Other Sites Around Mesa Verde

When you visit Mesa Verde National Park, there are several other sites nearby that you might want to consider seeing. You will want to make sure you stop and visit the Four Corners, the heart of the Southwest that features the intersection of 4 different states (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah). This area is full of Ancestral Pueblo cultural sites. While you are there, stop and have some delicious Indian tacos!

Other sites nearby include:

Yucca House National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument

Aztec Ruins National Monument

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Whether you are looking for a true outdoor experience complete with camping, or you just want a day trip full of adventure and history, you can find all of these things and more at Mesa Verde National Park. Start planning out your adventure today!

Stay tuned for more Ranger Mac National Park Spotlights!

[loreli78-blog]

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

The cliff  Palace dwelling of the native Americans at Mesa Verde, Colorado 600 years ago. Recent studies reveal that Cliff Palace contained 150 rooms and 23 kivas and had a population of approximately 100 people and nearly 600 cliff dwellings. The primary construction materials for the cliff dwellings were sandstone, mortar, and wooden beams. The Ancestral Pueblo people shaped each sandstone block using harder stones collected from nearby river beds. The mortar between the blocks is a mixture of local soil, water, and ash.

The Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace

Scott took a break

Climb up to exit

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace is the largest of the cliff dwellings in the park and certainly very impressive. The amount of time and energy that went into making it is amazing! Reaching the dwellings involves walking down a pathed trail. The trail is not very steep, and if you’re able to walk a block, it shouldn’t be a problem. When we got 3/4 of the way down, the ranger had us all sit under a stone overhang to (1) cool off and catch our breath for those who needed it and (2) explain the history of the ancient Pueblo Indians who constructed them, etc. From there, we walked the remainder of the way to the actual dwellings in which the ranger explained what some of the buildings were used for. We climbed a couple very short ladders (five rungs or so), walked around within some of the dwellings and then headed out. On the way out, the trail isn’t super steep, but there is a fairly long ladder you have to climb to reach the top of the canyon and the walkway that takes you to the parking lot. The ladder is surrounded by a rock enclosure so you shouldn’t get the feeling of possibly falling or even the feeling of being high up (for those who may be afraid of heights).

This is a good tour to take if you are fearful of small places and semi-fearful of heights. Everything is basically on a low level and out in the open.

Balcony Houses

Stunning stone-age ruins framed surrounded by an incredible view of the valley below. Balcony House is just a lot of fun. The views of the valley below it are pretty spectacular and seeing these stone dwellings built 700-800 years ago using only stone tools in such a forbidding location is impressive. I’m usually not one who enjoys having to follow a guide on any trip, but the ranger who conducted our tour was amazing. The story he told about the rise and fall of the Puebloans and how their history tied into their architecture really added a lot of value to the trip. I only expected our ranger to be a babysitter since these ruins are so fragile, but his narration was an integral part of the trip

Balcony Houses

Balcony Houses from across the canyon

Balcony Houses tunnel

Balcony Houses Entrance Ladder

Balcony Houses exit tunnel

Balcony Houses exit

Balcony Houses exit ladder

Balcony Houses Entrance Ladder

Balcony Houses Exit

Inside Balcony Houses

Balcony Houses Exit

Balcony Houses Climb Up Entrance Ladder

Balcony Houses view from the balcony

Balcony Houses hits you with Adrenaline. Looking back I don’t know how I did it, but I did climb a 30 ft long ladder. If you are scared of the height like me, my tips do not look down/below just focus on climbing. What I did is that I follow a kid climbing up the ladder. If that kid can do it, I should be able to do it.

Spruce Tree House

View from the Lookout (Image by Google|Google image)

Spruce Tree House

Inside Spruce Tree House

Spruce Tree House

After seeing the Cliff Palace and the Balcony Houses, you might get disappointed a little bit how small the Spruce Tree House is.  It is a self-guided tour down into the dwelling, but there are very knowledgeable Park Rangers there to answer questions. This is a special place because you can climb down a short ladder into the only covered Kiva in the Park which makes this a unique experience.

This room is called Kiva, kivas are square-walled and underground, and are used for spiritual ceremonies and political meetings.

Going Down to a Covered Kiva Of the Spruce Tree House

Inside Down to a Covered Kiva Of the Spruce Tree House. This room is called Kiva, kivas are square-walled and underground, and are used for spiritual ceremonies and political meetings.

Amazing place! Words could never describe seeing this place or the feeling you get while being there! Wow, just wow!

The Long Houses

This is my third favorite of the cliff dwellings (Cliff Palace being the first, and Balcony House the second). Very beautiful, and easy to get around. There is a short ladder (10 feet if I remember right), a very easy climb. We really enjoyed our tour guide. He obviously knew his subject and had a good sense of humor.

The Long House (Image by Google|Google Image)

The Long House

The Long House Kiva

The Long House Kiva

The Long House

Scott climbing up to the ladder

The Long House

The Long House

Step

The art of the ancient Puebloans. (Can you see there were 6 fingers?)

This one look like a Deer painting.

Seeps spring formed when the winter snowmelt. This is where they source for water.

These are called “mano” and “Metate” used to grind the corn into cornmeal

Accommodation

                   Far View Lodge

Far View Lodge Balcony

View From The Balcony

If you are going to visit Mesa Verde National Park, and don’t want to camp, this is a great option. We stayed in the less expensive standard room. We went over peak season. The rates were reasonable considering the lodge is the only lodging in the area and is in the heart of the Park. Our view was unobstructed and spectacular.

The room was small, simple, old, but clean. The bed was uncomfortably firm, and the linens and pillows were not overly comfortable. The shower was clean, but it looked well used. The room was clean but showed a lot of wear and tear. As the website advertises there is no TV, no airconditioning, and no cell service or internet. Its the location makes it a place I’d like to revisit.

Where to Eat

Spruce Tree Terrace Restaurant34879 Hwy 160 Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330

Very casual, typical cafe for parks but good to be there when hungry. Sandwiches, salads, burgers, hot dogs and similar stuff. Outside also a grill with some brisket and other stuff. The food is nothing special but tasty.

Far View Terrace Restaurant

Far View Terrace Restaurant

Located close to Far View Lodge and Far View Visitor Center, Far View Terrace Café is the perfect place to take in a great meal – and an unforgettable view.

The casual food-court setting features breakfast burritos and omelet station, a yogurt bar, and standard breakfast fare. For lunch, daily specials including our signature Navajo tacos, sandwiches and salad station. We make every effort to offer sustainable foods that are grown and harvested with respect for the land.

Explore The Culture and History of Mesa Verde Colorado Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado The cliff  Palace dwelling of the native Americans at Mesa Verde, Colorado 600 years ago.