Mesa Verde is a mystical National Park of the Ancient Pueblo people. Long before Europeans explored North America, the Ancient Pueblos built elaborate dwellings in the cliff walls. No one knows for sure why, but after two generations, these people left their homes for other areas.
Prior to the cliff dwellings, these ancient people lived in pit houses that were dug into the ground and featured four corner timbers that supported the roof. Kivas can be found in both the pit houses and the cliff dwellings. A kiva is round structure, usually built underground and were used for a combination of religious, social, and utilitarian purposes.
Recent studies reveal that Cliff Palace contained 150 rooms and 23 kivas and had a population of approximately 100 people.
Balcony House has about 40 rooms. The tunnel, passageways, and modern 32-foot entrance ladder are what make it the most adventurous cliff dwelling tour in the park. You can see how small the passages and rooms were and may ask about the size of the people who once lived here. The average man would have been about 5’4” – 5’5”.
At the suggestion of our friend Sue, we experienced a chuck wagon style dinner and show at the Bar-D-Ranch. We were well fed…
…and entertained by the Bar-D-Wranglers.
It was a great way to spend an evening. Thank you Sue.
2 thoughts on “Cowboys and Indians”
So glad you were able to work the Bar D into your schedule. They put on a good show. When we were in Durango last Christmas, we went to a Christmas show they put on at the College. It was great.
Remember Drenda Pool…She and her mother were hear three years ago and we made the trip to Mesa Verde it is so amazing. Her mom was about 78 years old at that time so we did not do any touring of the dwellings, we viewed from distance. It was
a place her mom had been many years ago and she wanted to see it again. Drenda and I did walk down to one dwelling while
her mom sat in the viewing area. I had not been there since my kids were young and we were on vacation. Most of our guests
have not expressed a desire to tour Mesa Verde so I have not been back since then. They have a special event during the Christmas season that I would like to see the next time we are here for Christmas.
You are having such a great time…we always talked about doing what you are doing but just never got around to taking two or
three months on the road. I love the photos and the memories you are making. Thanks for sharing.
I think being at Mesa Verde over Christmas would be amazing. You should definitely go. They are always unearthing new stuff and more facts. I found it really fascinating that they went to all the work of building the cities then didn’t stay. Why did they leave? I love a mystery.
We are so glad you are enjoying the blog and love your comments about what we are seeing. It makes the journey more fun when we can share it.