Mesa Verde National Park Facts & Worksheets

Mesa Verde National Park, established in 1906, is a national park in Colorado, United States. Mesa Verde, Spanish for “green table,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest archaeological preserve in the U.S. 

See the fact file below for more information on Mesa Verde National Park, or you can download our 27-page Mesa Verde National Park worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

• The Mesa Verde area runs from southeast Utah to northern New Mexico. It was first occupied by nomadic Paleo-Indians around 9500 BCE.
• By 6000 BCE, the early Archaic people lived on the Mesa Verde region’s outskirts, as well as the mountains, mesa tops, and canyons, where they built rock shelters and art. 
• Archaic people transitioned into the Basketmaker culture around 1000 BCE. Basketmaker people are distinguished by their foraging and farming abilities, use of the atlatl (spear throwers), and production of neatly woven baskets.
• Basketmakers are noted for their distinctive rock art found all over Mesa Verde. These depict animals and people in abstract and realistic forms.
• By the 8th century, Mesa Verde people began creating square pit structures that archaeologists call protokivas. They were usually 3 or 4 ft (0.91 or 1.22 m) deep and 12 to 20 ft (3.7 to 6.1 m) wide.
• By 860, people had created gigantic pit structures of 800 sq ft. These structures illustrate early architectural expressions. 
• During the 9th century, variable rainfall and recurrent drought led to people in Mesa Verde relying on masonry reservoirs. In the 11th century, they built check dams and terraces near drainages and slopes to protect soil and runoff. 
• Protokivas had evolved into smaller circular structures known as kivas by the mid-10th and early-11th centuries. Kivas are approximately 12 to 15 feet (3.7 to 4.6 meters) wide. These had a little hole or indentation in the floor, called a sipapu.
• By 1150, drought again affected the region’s population, momentarily interrupting house construction at Mesa Verde.
• People gradually relocated to Mesa Verde between 1130 and 1180, resulting in population expansion. Human growth resulted in an increased tree falling, which diminished the habitat for many wild plant and animal species.
• Mesa Verde towns flourished as architects built large, multi-story structures, and artists embellished pottery with increasingly complex designs. 
• After 1270, Mesa Verde experienced freezing temperatures. People continued to farm the land despite difficult conditions until a catastrophic drought ended years of continuous human settlement in the area. The last residents of Mesa left the area in c.1285.

GEOLOGY AND CLIMATE

• The area was named Mesa Verde by the first Spanish explorers, which means “green table.” Mesa Verde consists of several smaller slopes placed between canyons. 
• The slope of Mesa Verde aided in the construction of the alcoves that have preserved the park’s cliff houses.
• The construction of the Mesa Verde pediment was through erosion due to the rising of the Colorado Plateau, the San Juan Mountains, and the La Plata Mountains. Small channels of water deposited gravel throughout this structure. 
• The last cycle of uplift and rock tilting to the south allowed streams to cut fast into the rock, eliminating loose silt and creating huge canyons visible today. As the climate has become increasingly drier, the erosional processes have slowed.
• The precipitation pattern in the region is bimodal, and the weather is semi-arid. The central mesa sections were typically 10 degrees cooler than the mesa summit at 7,000 feet. In winter, the air was 10 to 20 degrees warmer in the canyon alcoves than on the summit.

NATIONAL PARK

• From 1887 to 1906, Virginia McClurg pushed hard to inform the American and European communities about the need to preserve Mesa Verde’s historical material and dwellings. 
• McClurg formed the Colorado Cliff Dwellers Association to safeguard the resources of Colorado cliff dwellings by retrieving as many original items as possible and disseminating information about the people who lived there.
• Lucy Peabody, an activist for the protection of Mesa Verde and prehistoric archaeological sites, met with members of Congress in Washington, D.C., to push the cause. Former Mesa Verde National Park Superintendent Robert Heyder expressed his conviction that the park could have been significantly more significant if there were still hundreds of artifacts.
• By the end of the 19th century, it was necessary to protect Mesa Verde from visitors who came to create or sell their collection of artifacts.
• Mesa Verde artifacts are currently housed in museums and private collections in the U.S. and worldwide.
• In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Mesa Verde National Park and the Federal Antiquities Act of 1906. The park was an endeavor to “preserve the works of man” and was the first of its type. 

EXCAVATION AND PROTECTION

• Between 1908 and 1922, the ruins of Spruce Tree House, Cliff Palace, and Sun Temple were stabilized. Jesse Walter Fewkes led the majority of the early efforts.
• During the 1930s and 1940s, Civilian Conservation Corps played relevant roles in excavation activities, trail, and road construction, museum display creation, and building construction at Mesa Verde. It is considered the largest archaeological operation in the United States. 
• Mesa Verde National Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. In 1978, it was recognized as a World Heritage Site. Sunset magazine classified Mesa Verde National Park as “the best cultural attraction” in the Western U.S. in its 2015 travel awards.

KEY SITES

• Balcony House. Built on a high ledge that faces east with 38 rooms and two kivas, which could accommodate up to 30 people. Visitors can only enter through a ranger-guided tour, which involves climbing a 32-foot ladder and going through a 12-foot tunnel.
• Cliff Palace. Largest and most well-known cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde, with 150 rooms and 23 kivas. The house, which dates back more than 700 years, is made of sandstone, wooden beams, and mortar. 
• Long House. The second-largest village, with 150 rooms, a kiva, a tower, and a central plaza. Its rooms are not arranged in a conventional cliff dwelling style, with stones utilized for fit and stability. It has two overhanging ledges, one of which has an overlook with small openings in the wall to view the rest of the settlement below. 
• Spruce Tree House. Third largest and best-maintained cliff dwelling, with 130 rooms and 8 kivas. Usually open to the public, a rock fall in 2015 led park officials to close the facility for visitor safety. 
• Sun Temple. Situated at the head of Cliff Canyon on a ridge between two canyons. Archeological research indicates that the site was used for ceremonial purposes. The structure has been stabilized and partially rebuilt so visitors can access it.

THINGS TO DO

• Ranger-Guided Tours. Only guided tours can get up close and personal with some of the Park’s cliff houses, including Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House. Tickets are purchased per person and on each tour.
• Since the Cliff Palace and Balcony House trips are popular, tourists can only take one hour daily. Tours tend to fill up rapidly, especially in the summer. Each requires visitors to navigate uneven stairwells and towering wooden ladders.
• Hiking Trail. There are several authorized hiking paths in Mesa Verde. Backcountry hiking and overnight backpacking are prohibited to preserve the park’s natural and archaeological resources. All of the tracks are challenging and entail significant elevation changes. Some paths don’t provide much shade and may get hot during the summer.
• Stargazing. The park’s high elevation, arid environment, low human density, and clear skies increase the chance of excellent stargazing. Mesa Verde received certification as the 100th International Dark Sky Park in the world in 2021 in honor of the park’s continued work to save our naturally black sky. 
• Camping. The only campground in the park is Morefield Campground. It rarely gets crowded, and the campsites are appealing. Each one has a grill, table, and bench. Tents, trailers, and recreational vehicles are allowed. A gas station, RV dump station, coin-operated laundry, free showers, gift shop, and grocery store are also available.
• Cultural Dances and Demonstrations. Members of Pueblos and Tribes with ties to Mesa Verde have the honor of performing cultural dances, giving performances, and giving demonstrations at the park. These unique activities support the preservation of vital cultural ties between Native Americans and this renowned landscape. 

SAFETY RULES

• Hiking off the tourist trail is illegal.
• Camping is only permitted in authorized areas.
• Drones are prohibited.
• Touching, climbing, sitting, or leaning against the historic walls is prohibited.
• The roads are steep, narrow, and winding. Watch for wildlife, slow down around curves, and observe all traffic signs.
• Preserve wildlife in its natural habitat. Avoid approaching animals to feed or photograph them.
• Pets on a leash are permitted on roads, parking lots, and some areas. Pets are not permitted on paths, in archeological sites, or in structures. Pets should never be left alone.
• Before setting out on a hike, check the weather forecast. 
• The trails are rocky and steep, with stairs and ladders. Anyone with cardiac or respiratory problems should avoid visiting cliff houses or hiking.
• Although there are no height or age requirements for tours, children must be able to freely traverse the length of the paths, climb ladders, and negotiate steps. 
• Visitor services are limited during winter.

Mesa Verde National Park Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Mesa Verde National Park across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Mesa Verde National Park, established in 1906, which is a national park in Colorado, United States. Mesa Verde, Spanish for “green table,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest archaeological preserve in the U.S. 

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Mesa Verde National Park Facts 
2. Mesa Verde
3. Symbolic Timeline
4. The National Park
5. The Houses
6. Exploring the Park
7. Safety First
8. Presidential Address
9. A Historic Place
10. See, Think, Wonder
11. My 3-2-1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mesa Verde National Park?

Mesa Verde National Park is a national park located in the southwestern corner of Colorado in the United States. It was established in 1906 to protect and preserve the archaeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who inhabited the region for over 700 years, from approximately AD 600 to 1300. The park is known for its well-preserved cliff dwellings, ancient ruins, and rock art, which offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

How do you get to Mesa Verde National Park?

Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado and can be reached by car, plane, or train. The closest major airport is Durango-La Plata County Airport, which is about an hour’s drive from the park. You can also fly into Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico and drive about four hours to reach the park. Alternatively, you can take a train to Durango on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and then drive to the park.

What are some popular things to do in Mesa Verde National Park?

Some popular activities in Mesa Verde National Park include exploring the ancient ruins and cliff dwellings, hiking on the many trails in the park, attending ranger-led programs and tours, stargazing, and camping. The park also offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits, including the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum and the Far View Visitor Center.

What is the best time of year to visit Mesa Verde National Park?

The best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is in the late spring, summer, or early fall when the weather is warm and dry. The park is open year-round, but some of the cliff dwellings and archaeological sites may be closed or have limited access during the winter months. Additionally, the park can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to plan your visit ahead of time and arrive early to avoid crowds.

Can you camp in Mesa Verde National Park?

Yes, there are several campgrounds in Mesa Verde National Park, including Morefield Campground, which offers tent and RV camping, as well as yurts and cabins for rent. The park also has backcountry camping available for those who want to explore the more remote areas of the park. Reservations are recommended for camping in the park, especially during peak season.

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