A PICTORIAL GUIDE PHOTOGRAPHY AND TEXT BY— ANSEL F. HALL MAPS—SKETCHES BY DELLA TAYLOR HOSS & MERRIE HALL WINKLER DESIGNED AND COPYRIGHTED BY ANSEL F. HALL PUBLISHED BY MESA VERDE CO., MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO A MIRRO-KROME ® PRODUCT LITHOGRAPHED BY H. S. CROCKER CO., INC., SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. PICTURE MAP OF MESA VERDE AND THE “FOUR-CORNERS COUNTRY” OF THE SOUTHERN ROCKIES (Get detailed road map from any service station.) CLIFF PALACE MESA VERDE—the “green tableland” rises 1,

In the Museum, at Park Headquarters, ranger-archaeologists are on duty to provide maps and guide leaflets, and to advise how to make the best use of your available time. You could spend a week in Mesa Verde’s spectacular environment, seeing something new every day and absorbing the fascinating story of 2,000 years of pre-history of the Stone Age people who built these cliff cities. But if your time is budgeted to only one day or less, the Museum Staff will help you plan your sightseeing so as to

The main sightseeing drives are normally open from 7:00 a. m. to sundown. There are two 6-mile loops starting from the Spruce Tree Museum Area. Use your own car or join the tour-guided sightseeing bus trips. When following the Ruins Road Drives, park your car and walk to overlooks, viewpoints, and down trails to the major ruins where ranger-archaeologists are stationed to explain all details. PERSPECTIVE MAP OF “RUINS ROAD” DRIVE At CLIFF PALACE, archaeologist-guides conduct visitors through the

Principal features of this very informative trip are: five groups of mesa-top excavations showing the development sequence of prehistoric dwellings; a spectacular close-up rim view of Square Tower, the tallest cliff dwelling structure; rim views of many ruins; and opportunity to climb to the top of Sun Temple. Three to four hours should be allowed to absorb fully the facts interpreted by means of viewfinders, labels, models and maps at various stopping points. To enter this loop road you will be

Outstanding features of this 6-mile loop are: the opportunity to be guided through Cliff Palace and Balcony House ruins by well-informed ranger-archaeologists; and stops at many overlooks, from which smaller and inaccessible cliff dwellings are pointed out by viewfinders. Before starting, go to the Museum for a time schedule of guided tours. The turn-off to the Cliff Palace loop is the second junction after turning east at the Spruce Tree Crossroads. Rim viewpoints are all marked by rustic signs

TELEPHOTO VIEW OF CLIFF PALACE RUIN, AS SEEN FROM A POINT NEAR SUN TEMPLE, ACROSS CLIFF CANYON. This majestic ruin, the greatest of all cliff dwellings, is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a remarkable historical record. Preserved within its walls is a fascinating story of a primitive people who learned to work, and build, and live together in harmony and mutual interdependence while our own European ancestors were struggling under the harsh yoke of feudalism. It is this inspiring

CLIFF PALACE occupies a large cave in the precipitous wall of one of Mesa Verde’s 28 canyons. At the right in this photo is the back of the so-called “Speaker Chief Tower” which is pictured on page 5 . There are 23 kivas, circular underground ceremonial chambers, each of which was used by the men of an individual clan. When visiting ruins, note these features: fire pit, ventilator shaft, deflector, 6 pilasters, and the Sipapu (spiritous entrance to the underworld)....

The trail trip through Cliff Palace ruin requires approximately three-quarters of an hour. Leave your car at the designated parking space. Walk first to the railed rock promontory about 100 feet from the road, from which point a splendid panorama view is obtained; then make the 5-minute descent down the foot trail to the Ruin where you will be met by the ranger-archaeologist. View of the south section of the CLIFF PALACE from the point where visitors are met by the ranger-archaeologist, who here

Of all Mesa Verde’s cliff dwellings, Balcony House Ruin is the most dramatically situated and offers the most exciting personal exploration experience. National Park Service archaeologist-guides meet visitors at the designated parking space to lead the 1¼-to-1½-hour trip over a half-mile ledge trail, up the famous approach ladder, and through the ruin. Time schedule of trips may be obtained at the Museum. Interior, BALCONY HOUSE RUIN, looking north. Note the approach ladder at the lower right. C

LUNACHUKAI MTS. FROM PARK POINT (EL. 8,572) A VAST PANORAMA OPENS UP TO THE SOUTH AND WEST. THE LOVELY UNBROKEN FOREST-GREEN MESA-TOP, IN THE FOREGROUND, SUPPORTED AND PROTECTED THE CIVILIZED PEOPLE WHO ONCE LIVED HERE. No trip to Mesa Verde National Park is complete without a visit to Park Point Lookout, 8,572-foot summit on the north rim. You must not miss the thrilling and inspiring full-circle panorama of mountains, mesas, and wide reaches of desert. In many ways, the section of the panorama

In this area you will see your first Cliff Dwelling. You will walk; everything is conveniently near. You will visit the Museum—probably several times—to plan trips and to better understand what you see here. You may hike on the Mesa Top, ledge and canyon trails—but be sure to get maps and a permit at the Museum. You will enjoy the variety of several evening campfires at the canyon rim amphitheatre. You may worship at the inter-denominational services Sundays. You will find food and refreshment a

An important area is Navajo Hill, 15 miles from the Park Entrance (refer to perspective map on page 4 ). The Park Visitor Center is located here. This is the junction of the Wetherill and Chapin Roads. You will find food and refreshment in the Lodge. You may hike to Far View Ruin ¾ mile south. You will watch a breathtaking sunset over 4 states. ★ ★ ★ THE EVENING CAMPFIRE. Nightly, at the Campfire Circle, informal talks are given by members of the archaeological staff. The subjects: modern Indian

The Mesa Verde story has all the elements of the most thrilling “Western:” Scene 1. Father Escalante and his cavalcade of Spanish explorers camped at the northeast edge of the Mesa on August 11, 1776—without even suspecting that its deep canyons hid ancient stone cities. Scene 2. Antonio Armijo, with his caballeros at nearby Mancos Creek, on November 19, 1824, searching for a route from Santa Fe to California. Scene 3. Secret inroads of the Mountain Men—beaver trappers who may have poached in th

An ancient medicine man’s pouch with its magic treasures—mummy of a Basketmaker maiden who lived 1,500 years ago—the primitive hunter’s atlatl—might pique your curiosity and lure you to visit the Mesa Verde Museum. Soon you would discover, however, that this is not just a storehouse for dry-as-dust dead things, but rather a living center of knowledge and its interpretation—the key to your understanding and enjoyment of the real museum which is the Park itself. CLIFF PALACE IN 1270 A.D. From a Pa