モンテズマ郡の天然記念物・トップ18

The Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, is the largest and most famous cliff dwelling in North America and an architectural masterpiece of the Ancestral Pueblo people. It was built between 1190 and 1280 in a rock niche in the canyon wall from sandstone blocks, mortar, and wooden beams. The settlement housed approximately 100 people and served as a social and ceremonial center. The site can only be visited as part of a ranger-led tour, which involves descending uneven steps and several ladders.

The Point Lookout Trail in Mesa Verde National Park is a popular hike that leads to a prominent overlook above the park entrance. The trail begins relatively flat and then climbs the backside of Point Lookout via a series of steep switchbacks. Once at the top, the trail levels off until it reaches the overlook itself. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views, including: - The surrounding Mancos and Montezuma Valleys - The San Juan and La Plata Mountains in the distance - A view of the park's historic access road

The Point Lookout Trail in Mesa Verde National Park is a popular hike that leads to a prominent overlook above the park entrance. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views, including: - The surrounding Mancos and Montezuma Valleys - The San Juan and La Plata Mountains in the distance - A view of the park's historic access road

Saddle horn ruin is visible from the trail and is a lovely sight to behold

The petroglyph panel along the Petroglyph Point Trail in Mesa Verde National Park measures over 35 feet wide and contains more than 30 distinct carvings created by the Ancestral Pueblo people. These petroglyphs include representations of human figures, animals, spirals, handprints, and abstract designs, with the exact meanings of the carvings unknown. Preserving this panel is crucial, as the carvings are fragile and irreplaceable. Visitors are reminded not to touch or deface the petroglyphs to ensure their survival for future generations.

Nice, steady climb, quiet and then a wonderful view over the wide countryside. A lovely hike in the evening at 6pm.

Magnificent little passage under a rock which we really wonder how it holds up, it seems to defy the laws of gravity!

The Point Lookout Trail is one of your first hiking options once you pull into Mesa Verde National Park. The trail heads up a pretty steep hillside, but it's not a super long trek to the top. You get unobstructed views pretty much the whole time since the vegetation is so sparse here in the high desert.