Day 26--Mesa Verde

Spruce Tree House from Ranger House Deck

Spruce Tree House closeup

I'm sitting on the porch of the ranger's station at Spruce Tree House. It is early afternoon. Smoky just left to walk the trail down to Spruce Tree House to look at the dwellings, some of which are three stories high. This is an incredible example of Pueblo masonry.

I didn't go on this walk because of a problem with my left hip which makes walking difficult, especially steps. I was so uncomfortable last night that we went to the emergency room at the local hospital this morning to find out what the problem was. We prepared for a many-hour ordeal (based on our experiences in the ER back home). I was admitted, went through triage, saw the doctor, had X-rays, talked with the doctor again about his diagnosis, and was ready to leave within an hour and a half. Amazing service! The diagnosis was bursitis (very painful), and the doctor recommended an anti-inflammatory medication along with something for the pain. He also said I needed to rest that hip, as in not carry weight on my left leg until the situation calms down. He wanted to send me out with crutches; we compromised on a cane and as much rest as I can manage.

Spruce Tree House closeup

It could have been much worse; at least our trip didn't have to be cancelled. I regret not getting to see Spruce Tree House up close, but I'm sure I'll enjoy seeing Smoky's photographs. 

Smoky came walking back up the trail with tales of how the Spruce Tree House was constructed. According to the ranger, this location is one of the best preserved of all the Mesa Verde sites. We're ready to drive around the Mesa Top Loop, where there are several other overlooks into the canyon with good views of other cliff dwellings, including one that was built four stories high! Incredible!!

One of the last sites along this Mesa Top Loop was the Sun Temple. This structure was an intricate design built on top of the mesa. It was not used for lodging, and even though one can't be sure of its purpose, we surmised that the building must have had some spiritual significance. The community was quite large by this time, so perhaps it was built as a plea to the gods to make it possible for these people to stay on this location. Unfortunately, they moved on not too many years after.

Square Tower House

Our last loop of the day was the Cliff Palace Loop, a 6-mile road that runs along the top of the canyon and provides great views of several cliff dwellings, including several views of the Cliff Palace. This is well named--it is a very large and intricate set of buildings on several levels of the canyon wall. Visitors can take a ranger-led hike to Cliff Palace as long as they can climb several ladders and crawl through a narrow tunnel to get there.

Cliff Palace from overlook

Cliff Palace closeup

We ate our picnic supper alongside the Cliff Palace Loop road, enjoying the pleasant, clean air, and the peacefulness of the area. I'm really glad we included the Cliff Palace Loop road in our experience of Mesa Verde, for it is truly spectacular.

Tomorrow we drive to Durango, Colorado.

--Shann