Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado, United States. It covers an area of 52,485 acres and was established in 1906 to protect the well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and other archeological sites. The park is named after the large mesa, or tableland, that covers the region and provides a scenic backdrop to the numerous ruins.
One of the most famous sites in the park is the Cliff Palace, a large complex of over 150 rooms and 23 kivas, or ceremonial structures, built into a cliff. Visitors can also explore the nearby Spruce Tree House, which is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the park, and Balcony House, which features a series of ladders and tunnels leading to rooms carved into the cliff.
In addition to the cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde National Park is also known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Hiking trails lead to panoramic views of the surrounding mesas and canyons, and backcountry camping is available for those who want to experience the park's rugged wilderness.
Visitors to Mesa Verde National Park can also learn about the park's rich cultural history through exhibits at the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and ranger-led tours of the cliff dwellings. The park is open year-round, although some areas may be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice.