Mesa Verde, Hill

Interesting how the structures were built and how they lived. Nothing they did could get them thru the 200 year drought across the southwest.

Used to live in the Springs. the cliff dwellings just west of the city on 24 are elaborate and well-done fakes. Built for tourists not by real native Americans.

As a young child (9 or 10?) I remember the mummified woman, I believe her name was Esther, they had her displayed toward the back of the museum. I took one look at her, covered my mouth and ran outside and threw up. Strange how your mind makes these moments postcard memories that you just can't shake, that was back in '65 or 66?

The whole, over-all experience was fantastic:) Camping there was especially nice

It was cool. Took a couple of hikes to ruins. The really cool place to see is a little to the south, Chaco Culture NHP in NW New Mexico.

You have to see it for yourself, there is a lot ot see. The hiking paths are well maintained.

But they prob meant the manitou cliff dwellings which are pretty cool too if you're east of the rockies

Mesa Verde was far larger and more extensive than I ever realized. The human park service guides and signage are very helpful and informative. The views just from the roads and easy to reach sites are incredible and so can be experienced by all levels of health and athletic ability. If you wish to take more strenuous hikes even more can be experienced. I'd go back in a minute and next time spend more than a day!

We have the cliff dwellings here. Which if all you see are a few photos can be easily mistaken. They look very similar. My nephew (keep in mind he is 8) thought they were the same after looking at the pics here.

It is near the town of Cortez Colorado,the first time I went they had a mummified Indian woman in a glass case in the museum part of the tour ,that was like 1970 ,I went back again years later and no mummy,I ask where is the mummy the guy said that they had to take it off display because the Indians said it was not respectful of their dead.