We didn't know much about Mesa Verde before going there. I'd heard of it, but unlike Yellowstone and Yosemite, I didn't really know what was there. And as it turns out, since we're officially old coots now, we can buy a pass that's good for the rest of our lives that gains us entry into every national park for only $10. (Normal parking fee for one day was $15 and we went for two days. Think how much money we've saved already!)
Mesa Verde is well worth the trip. If you're really fit (I'm not) you can take one of the ranger-led tours to some of the dwellings (steep inclines, ladders, and some crawling required). Only two of the sites permit self-guided tours. We toured Spruce Tree house, which is the best preserved of all the sites and one of the two that you don't need to be accompanied by a ranger.
There were lots of places where you could hike out for a better view of the cliff dwellings. Impressive!
An abundance of wildflowers...
And more scenic overviews than you could shake a stick at. No one seems to know exactly why the ancient people who lived at Mesa Verde abandoned their homes, but with views like these, a surprise attack seems unlikely.
All in all, a great visit! If you haven't been to Mesa Verde, make some plans.
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