This is what greeted us on our

way to Mesa Verde.

Mesa Verde translates

to green table.

An imposing monolith

welcomes us to the Park.

Prime example of why

it is called Mesa Verde.

There was a fire in the

Pinyon-Juniper Forest

nearly 30 years ago.

An artsy photo, none the less!

"Cliff Palace"

Ancestral Pueblos moved to

Mesa Verde about AD 550.

Kivas are circular structures

that were used for religious,

social and utilitarian ceremonies.

 

Closeup shot of a section

of Cliff Palace.  Restoration work

has been going on for decades.

 

Another closeup of

Cliff Palace.  Some dwellings

are 2, 3 and 4 stories.

Hemenway House, which is

found in a different section

of the Park.

Standing in front of

Cedar Tree Tower.