Backcountry hiking and tours.
Mesa Verde, Spanish for green table, offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to 1300. 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.
Mug House
The Mug House hike offers the opportunity to see a rarely visited cliff dwelling. Mug House,built about A.D. 1150, was likely home to approximately 80 to 100 people.
This strenuous 2-hour, 3-mile (4.8km) round-trip hike is along an unpaved, uneven trail that descends 100 ft (30 m), and includes steep drop-offs, switchbacks, and scrambling up and down boulders. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, bring at least 1/2 gallon (1.8 liters) of water per person, and sun protection. This hike may not be appropriate for young children. Each hiker must be able to scramble over boulders and navigate steep gravel trails unassisted. Please do not bring food or snacks! Archeological sites are vulnerable to damage caused by rodents attracted to crumbs and dropped snacks.
Square Tower House
The short but strenuous hike leads to a stunning and surprisingly intimate cliff dwelling. Unusual aspects of Square Tower House include an original kiva roof and the Crow's Nest, both features that cannot be seen from the viewpoint on the canyon rim.
This strenuous 2-hour, 1-mile (2.6km) round-trip hike is along an unpaved, uneven trail that descends 100 ft (30 m), and includes steep drop-offs, switchbacks, climbing three ladders - the longest at 20 feet (6.1 m), and scrambling up and down boulders. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, bring at least 1/2 gallon (1.8 liters) of water per person, and sun protection. This hike may not be appropriate for young children. Each hiker must be able to scramble over boulders and navigate steep gravel trails unassisted. Please do not bring food or snacks! Archeological sites are vulnerable to damage caused by rodents attracted to crumbs and dropped snacks.
Wetherill Mesa Experience
The hike introduces the story of the Ancestral Pueblo people and the environment in which they lived. You'll visit archeological sites that range from early-period occupation in pithouses to much later construction of the cliff dwellings. You'll also be introduced to the ecology of the Pinyon Juniper woodlands, hike to overlooks of spectacular archeological sites located in cliff-side alcoves, and enjoy expansive mesa country views as you eat your lunch at the edge of the canyon.
This moderate 4-hour, 4-mile (6.4km) round-trip hike is along gravel and paved trails that cross Wetherill Mesa and provide spectacular views. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, bring your own lunch, and 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per person. Shade is very limited, so bring a hat and sunscreen Consider bringing binoculars and bird books as well. This hike is appropriate for well-prepared hikers of any age.
