Mesa Verde National Park in Southwestern Colorado is a cornucopia of beautiful vistas and Ancestral Pueblo dwellings.
Driving to Mesa Verde from Sante Fe was a long, phenomenal journey. I absolutely love the feeling of driving long distances, exploring new terrain and seeing the beautiful of the Earth around me.
I left Ten Thousand Waves at 5:30am to be able to get to Mesa Verde as early as possible. Passing through Pagoda Springs, I focused on the two most important parts of an early morning drive: a bathroom break at City Market and Starbucks.
I also took some photos of the San Juan River and reminded myself of how outstandingly beautiful Colorado is.
Soon, I was passing through Durango, with Mancos clear in my sights.
And then, I arrived.
The entrance to Mesa Verde National Park was unassuming. I handed my National Parks Pass card to the attendant and asked a question about visiting Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, as I rationalized that trying to got to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was too adventurous. I was looking to end with starry night shots at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Persevere. Which made my day already extremely adventurous.
After hearing positive reviews of Canyons of the Ancients, I vowed to head over during another trip. Some things are truly so close – yet so far. So, I decided to move on into the Park.
The leaves on the trees were vibrantly changing into their autumn best.
Montezuma Overlook Trail was beautiful.
Cliff Palace was a testimony to how humanity crafts the Earth to create sustainable structures that stand the test of time.
Balcony House was another geological wonder.
As I moved on from the structures and back to the entrance of Mesa Verde, I was astonished by the seas of oranges, greens, reds and radiant beauty of the trees.
I appreciated my every moment in the park
Mesa Verde National Park
Mile .7 Headquarters Loop Road Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330Mesa Verde, Colorado 81330
