| Mesa
Verde is best known for a large number of well preserved cliff dwellings,
houses tjat are built in shallow caves along the canyon walls. For most of the 12th
and 13th centuries, the Ancient Puebloan Indians lived in these dwellings.
The reason for their sudden departure about 1275 remains a mystery. There are
theories ranging from crop failures due to droughts, to an intrusion of foreign
tribes from the North. The park's Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum provides
information about the Ancient Puebloan civilization and displays findings and artwork.
Cliff Palace Three of the cliff dwellings on Chapin Mesa are open to the public. Spruce Tree House
is open all year but this is weather permitting. Balcony House and Cliff Palace are
open except in the winter; visitors may tour them with a ranger guide.
Wetherill Mesa also has cliff dwellings, Long House, and Step House. Other
dwellings are visible from the road but not open to tourists. In addition
to the cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde boasts a number of mesa-top ruins.
Examples open to public access include the Far View Complex, Cedar Tree
Tower, and the Sun Temple, all on Chapin Mesa, and Badger House Community,
on Wetherill Mesa. Also in the park are hiking trails, a campground, and
facilities for food, fuel, and lodging; these are unavailable in the
winter. |
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