What to Do
Reading edition
THINGS TO SEE ON WAY FROM PARK ENTRANCE TO HEADQUARTERS
3.5 miles—Top of first grade—Mancos Valley and La Plata Mountains.
5.0 miles—Knife Edge Road—Montezuma Valley and Sleeping Ute Mountain.
10.5 miles—Scenic road to Park Point, highest elevation within Mesa Verde National Park, 8,575 feet above sea level; 2,200 feet above the Montezuma Valley. View into four States—Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
16.0 miles—Pueblo III ruins on top of mesa—Far View House Ruin, Pipe Shrine House Ruin, Far View Tower Ruin.
18.5 miles—Cedar Tree Tower Ruin—road branches off to left.
20.0 miles—Park headquarters. Park ranger will meet your car and give information.
THINGS TO DO WHILE ON THE MESA VERDE
MOTOR CARAVANS TO RUINS—DAILY. USE YOUR OWN CAR. NO CHARGE FOR GUIDE SERVICE
8 a. m.—Earth Lodge A, Square Tower House, Little Long House, Sun Point, Fire Temple, Sun Temple. Return 11:15 a. m. Distance 6½ miles.
10 a. m.—A shortened trip of morning route to accommodate late comers. Return 11:15 a. m.
1:30 p. m.—Cliff Palace, Rim Drive, Balcony House. Return 4:15 p. m. Distance 7 miles.
3 p. m.—A shortened trip of the 1:30 route to accommodate late comers. Does not go through Cliff Palace but views this ruin from the top of the mesa. Return 4:30 p. m.
MOTOR CARAVAN TO PARK POINT—DAILY. USE YOUR OWN CAR
6:30 or 7 p. m.—Time of leaving will vary to arrive at Park Point to view colorful sunset. Ranger in charge will discuss the flora, geology, and scenic points. Distance 24 miles.
CAMPFIRE LECTURE—DAILY
8 p. m.—In circle at park headquarters. Archeological story of the Southwest.
9 p. m.—Ceremonial dance by Navajo Indians.
THINGS TO DO—NOT ON REGULAR SCHEDULE
Museum—Open from 8 a. m. to 5:30 p. m. A splendid collection of material from the cliff ruins and other sections of the Southwest.
Community building—A display of cut wild flowers. Porch with comfortable chairs. View of Spruce Tree Ruin. Open at all times.
Spruce Tree Ruin—Below park headquarters. May be visited at your leisure without guide. Ranger on duty in this ruin for information.
Nature trail—The path to Spruce Tree Ruin has been prepared with a series of signs explaining the flora and rock formations.
Horseback trips—Splendid trails lead in all directions. Large, unexcavated ruins, magnificent canyons and mesas off the beaten path unfold the charm of this primitive region. Rates are very reasonable.
Hikes—To any section of the park can be arranged for with the park naturalist. If sufficient numbers enroll for such hikes, a naturalist guide will be provided.
ACCOMMODATIONS
At park headquarters, 20 miles from entrance. Spruce Tree Lodge—Cabins, tents, and meals. General store and curios. Free Government camp ground. Firewood and water furnished.
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