Durango, Colorado, is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination; this mountain town contains countless activities and attractions to help you and your family created unforgettable memories! If you’re visiting this amazing area, make sure to visit the Mesa Verde National Park during your stay. One of the most popular Durango attractions, this park contains incredible hiking, historic sites, wildlife, and much more. Take a look at what this park has to offer to help you start planning a wonderful day in the great outdoors of Colorado!
5 of the Best Things to Do at the Mesa Verde National Park
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Go Hiking
A multitude of designated hiking trails lie within the Mesa Verde National Park map. Although they all vary in length and difficulty, each of these trails features unique characteristics, like scenic overlooks or prehistoric sites. On the Farming Terrace Trail, you can see the remains of dams built by the Ancestral Puebloans, while the Point Lookout Trail offers panoramic views of the Mancos and Montezuma Valleys.
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Observe Historic Sites
The Mesa Verde National Park marks the site where a thriving population once lived. The Ancestral Pueblo people chose this area as their home over 1,400 years ago; they and their descendants inhabited this area until they moved in the late A.D. 1200s, leaving behind approximately 4,000 archaeological sites. Immerse yourself in the lives of these ancient people by viewing their historic homes, farming structures, and much more.
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Enjoy the Mesa Verde National Park Tours
Some dwellings are only accessible with a park ranger, so make sure to participate in one of the guided tours provided here to see some of this park’s best sites. In addition to exploring the Balcony House and Cliff Palace, you can also go on a historic walking tour or the Twilight Photography Tour. Mesa Verde tour tickets must be purchased in person; you can find a full schedule of tour times and prices on their website. Mesa Verde self-guided tours are a favorite activity of many visitors as well!
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Explore the Visitor Center
To learn even more about this fascinating park, stop by the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center or the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum. Both found within this park, they offer further information about the history and development of the Mesa Verde National Park.
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See Wildlife
Due to this area being so isolated and protected, numerous types of wildlife have made the Mesa Verde National Park their home. Keep your eyes peeled for a Collared Lizard, a bobcat, a Western Tanager bird, or a rare Mexican Spotted Owl.
To further explore the amazing town of Durango, CO, make sure to visit the Chimney Rock National Monument and take a ride on the scenic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad!
Come Stay with Us at Durango Colorado Vacations!
Filled with breathtaking scenery and gorgeous natural features, Durango, CO, is the perfect place for a dream vacation, regardless of the time of year! Make plans to have the trip of a lifetime by staying with us at Durango Colorado Vacations. We provide a variety of luxurious vacation rentals that come in all shapes and sizes. Each of our beautiful cottages, cabins, apartments, and villas are located throughout the most picturesque parts of town; you can choose to stay next door to the bustling downtown Durango, or have a more peaceful getaway by settling down in a more private area. Don’t hesitate any longer; check our availability and book your dream vacation rental today!
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