About Mesa Verde National Park

by Ashlee Simmons

Overview

Mesa Verde National Park covers 8,500 acres and includes the work of ancient pueblo people. Hundred of dwellings are carved into the cliff walls. Mesa Verde is an area of quiet repose and beauty. In addition to the cliff dwellings, the park offers tours, hiking, a museum, bird watching, stargazing, cross country skiing and lectures.
History

President Roosevelt declared Mesa Verde to be a national park on June 29, 1906.

Features

Discovering, researching and preserving archeological sites is the park's mission. More than 4,700 sites have been discovered.
Considerations

The ancient people of Mesa Verde took up residence over 1,400 years ago and lived in the cliffs for over 700 years.
Famous Ties

The Hopi and Navajo share ancestry with 24 tribes who are descendants of the cliff dwellers.
Benefits

Rich in biodiversity, Mesa Verde is the first national park to preserve not only wilderness areas, but human artifacts.
Fun Fact

Mesa Park has 600 historic cliff dwellings. Since 1996, assessment of condition has taken place on 230 units.