Colorado.com
2 Days
Land of Ancients: Mesa Verde National Park

A land full of history — from ancient times to the Wild West — Mesa Verde is packed with stories waiting to be told amid spectacular Southwest scenery.

Sustainability Activity

How to Give Back to These Special Places

Day 1

activity

Balcony House at Mesa Verde National Park

With 40 rooms, Balcony House is considered a medium size cliff dwelling. Only 10 sites in the park have more. Evidence of how room and passageway construction…

lunch

Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe

Patio Dining at its best! Stop at Spruce Tree Terrace Café, located in the heart of Mesa Verde National Park, for favorite American classics and Southwest…

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activity

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

The museum displays dioramas illustrating Ancestral Puebloan life. There are also many exhibits of prehistoric artifacts, a chronology of Ancestral…

dinner

Metate Room

Mesa Verde Metate Room Restaurant received "Award of Culinary Excellence" from the American Culinary Federation Colorado Chefs Association in the area…

activity

Cortez Cultural Center

Programs will include Native American music and flute-playing, art, and other opportunities for in-depth appreciation of Southwestern cultures.

lodging

Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center

Mesa Verde vacation in the heart of southwest Colorado. Private, secluded, elegant lakeside cabins, fishing, gear, boats on private lake. Kitchens,…

Day 2

breakfast

Absolute Bakery & Cafe

Dedicated to the art of food, the Absolute Bakery & Cafe prepares food from scratch, using only the finest of organic and local ingredients. It's…

activity

Mancos Creative District

Facilitated by a vibrant community of more than 150 artists, the growing downtown has eight galleries, a historic opera house and countless locally…

lunch

Mancos Brewing Company

Mancos Brewing Company provides great beer in a relaxed setting . Come in and sit down, order a beer (or a glass of wine) and a bite of food.  We also…

activity

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center and Museum, BLM

Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum contains a 3.5 million-item research collection. Exhibits interpret the history and culture of the…

dinner

Dolores River Brewery

Every community should have a comfortable place to hang out with somebody!

activity

Yellow Car Country Wines

A winery located in Cortez, CO making fruit wines and meads. The view is great. Come take a break, have a glass of wine, and take a bottle home with…

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lodging

Baymont Inn & Suites Cortez

Located off Highway 160 in scenic Southwest Colorado. Take in the sweeping views of La Plata, the Blue Mountains, and Mesa Verde Ridge from your room…