800-253-1616
www.mesaverdecountry.com
lynnd@mesaverdecountry.com
Map It!
Mesa-Verde-Country-2011-Calendar-of-Events
Mesa-Verde-Trail-Of-Ancients
Mesa Verde Country® is the archaeological center of America and home to beautiful landscapes, rich history, cultural heritage and endless outdoor activities.
Its centerpiece is the impressive Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage site and the first national park set aside to honor the works of humankind. Here, visitors may experience first-hand the life of the Ancestral Puebloans by visiting their 800-year-old cliff dwellings and mesa-top villages. Mesa Verde, however, is just the beginning. Other Mesa Verde Country® archaeological wonders include Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, and the Anasazi Heritage Center. All of these sites, and more, are located along the only National Scenic Byway dedicated solely to archaeology, Trail of the Ancients.
In addition to archaeology, outdoor activities abound with hiking, biking, fishing, hunting and golf. McPhee Lake, the Dolores River, and the San Juan National Forest, as well as the beautiful red rock canyons south of Cortez, all offer exceptional outdoor adventure opportunities. The area also serves as a base camp for exploring many of the sites within the Four Corners region, and great day trips are possible in any direction.
Mesa Verde Country® also has a strong agricultural tradition. The Ancestral Puebloans, the first agriculturalists in the area, laid the foundation for today’s farmers, ranchers, and vintners. Farmer’s markets are an excellent way to savor local flavors. In season, pick apples, peaches, or pears; or wander a pumpkin patch. Get up close and personal with a yak or an alpaca, or drive past fields of sunflowers turning their heads to the sun. Visit a winery, one of our several microbreweries, or our distillery.
Trading posts provide an excellent way to experience traditional and contemporary Native American art. Our small communities have also become flourishing artist communities, and exceptional galleries are found throughout Mesa Verde Country®.
