The hallmark of Mesa Verde National Park are the amazing Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings. There are over 600 cliff dwellings ranging from single rooms to multi-room units. This area was occupied for an incredible 700 years by the original inhabitants (sometimes called the “Anasazi”). And don’t miss Cliff Palace, the largest structure and one of the largest examples of cliff dwelling in the Southwest. You can do a ranger-led tour or self-guided tour. The park also has several trails, many of which will give you a distinct view of the dwellings.

Located in Colorado and established as a national park in 1906, the park is open year-round. Summer sees the most visitors and hottest temperatures, although highs are generally only in the 80s. If you visit in the “shoulder” seasons of spring and early fall, you’ll avoid the crowds while still having good weather. Also, if you’re interested, the park is only an hour away from the “Four Corners” monument, meant to commemorate the spot where the corners of four states converge.