|
 More than 1,000 years ago, an industrious and creative people thrived on this high green plateau in what are now the remains of their cliff dwellings. During the seven centuries they inhabited the Mesa Verde, they prospered and developed from a basic hunter/gatherer society into a culture known for its agriculture, intricate artistry, and magnificent architecture.
Today, Mesa Verde National Park seeks to protect and preserve these ancient cliff dwelling sites scattered across the deep canyons and mesas throughout Mesa Verde in Colorado, and to answer certain timeless questions. Who were these people? Why did they leave their cliff dwellings? Where did they go? What can we learn from them?
Tour Mesa Verde and experience the world of those early inhabitants with professionally-trained tour guides. Ponder why people came here, made their homes in the various cliff dwellings and how they flourished within this challenging, high desert environment. Learn how social and religious structures developed into life ways still followed by contemporary Pueblo and peoples across the Southwest. Complement your understanding of today's cultures with valuable insights about the past.
Guided Tours by ARAMARK Mesa Verde Colorado. (2002 SEASON)
Cliff Palace All Day Tour (April 7 - October 31)
Leaves Morefield Campground at 9:00 AM Returns to Morefield Campground at 5:00 PM
Leaves Far View Lodge at 9:30 AM Returns to Far View Lodge at 4:30 PM
Adults $55.00 per person
Children 5 - 17 years $43.00
Children under 5 free
 This tour includes the following: Historical review of past and present cliff dwellers, story of how area was happened upon by early settlers, early excavations, creation as Mesa Verde National Park and designation as a United Nations World Heritage Site. Geological lay of the Mesa Verde terrain, Discussion of plant and animal life in Mesa Verde, Mesa Loop Road sites (600 AD pithouses to Pueblo structures of 1200 AD), Chuckwagon lunch, Museum tour, Spruce Tree walking tour and Cliff Palace tour with Park Service Ranger, (Cliff Palace is not ADA accessible).
Spruce Tree Tour (March 29 - October 31)
Leaves Morefield Campground at 8:30AM Returns to Morefield Campground at 12:30 PM
Leaves Far View Lodge at 9:00 AM Returns to Far View Lodge at 12:00 noon
Adults $36.00 per person
Children 5 - 17 years $25.00
Children under 5 free
 This tour includes the following: Overview of the surrounding terrain, historical review of past and present cliff dwellers, information about plants and animals, Geological formations, Visit 600 AD site on Mesa Loop RD and continue development cycle through 1200 AD, walking tour of Spruce Tree Cliff Dwelling or a visit to Museum for those unable to do the trail. (This tour is ADA accessible)
Balcony House Tour (May 12 - October 14)
Leaves Far View Lodge at 1:00PM Returns to Far View Lodge at 4:00 PM
Adults $36.00 per person
Children 5 - 17 years $25.00
Children under 5 free
This tour includes the following: Overview of the Mesa Verde area and a discussion about burn areas pro and con, brief historical review of cultural beginnings, discuss plants and animals as trip progresses, several stops on Mesa Loop RD including Square Tower House - 1200 AD Cliff Dwelling and geological strata, Twin Trees site-pithouse construction and early Pueblo structures, Sun Point Pueblo-use of stone in Pueblo structures, Sun Temple-how it may have been used (photo opportunity Cliff Palace) and Balcony House Cliff Dwelling with a Park Service Ranger (Balcony House is not ADA accessible).
For additional information call
Toll Free: 1-800-449-2288 or go to www.visitmesaverde.com
|
