10.5 miles--Scenic road to Park Point, highest elevation within Mesa
Verde National Park, 8,572 feet above sea level; 2,200 feet above
the Montezuma Valley. Views into four States--Colorado, New
Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
16 miles--Pueblo III ruins on top of mesa--Far View House Ruin, Pipe
Shrine House Ruin, Far View Tower Ruin.
18.5 miles--Cedar Tree Tower Ruin--road branches off to left.
20 miles--Park headquarters. Park ranger will meet visitors' cars and
give information.
+Things to Do While on the Mesa Verde+
_Motor caravans to ruins--Daily. Use your own car. No charge for
ranger service_
8 a.m.--Earth Lodge A, Square Tower House, Little Long House, Sun
Point, Fire Temple, Sun Temple. Return 11:15 a.m. Distance
6 1/2 miles.
10 a.m.--A shortened trip of morning route to accommodate late
comers. Return 11:15 a.m.
1:30 p.m.--Cliff Palace, Rim Drive, Balcony House. Return 4:15 p.m.
Distance 7 miles.
3 p.m.--A shortened trip of the 1:30 route to accommodate late
comers. Does not go through Cliff Palace but views this ruin from
the top of the mesa. Return 4:30 p.m.
_Motor caravan to park point--Daily. Use your own car_
6:30 or 7 p.m.--Departure is timed to arrive at Park Point to view
colorful sunset. Ranger in charge will discuss the flora, geology,
and scenic points. Distance 21 miles.
_Campfire lecture--Daily_
8 p.m.--Campfire circle at park headquarters. Archeological story of
the Southwest followed by Ceremonial dances by Navajo Indians at
about 9 p.m.
+Things to Do--Not on Regular Schedule+
Museum--Open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A splendid collection of
material from the cliff ruins and other sections of the Southwest.
Community building--A display of cut wild flowers. Porch, with
comfortable chairs, overlooks Spruce Tree Ruin. Open at all times.
Spruce Tree Ruin--Below park headquarters. May be visited at your
leisure without guide. Ranger on duty in this ruin for
information.
Nature trail--The path to Spruce Tree Ruin has been prepared with a
series of signs explaining the flora and rock formations.
Horseback trips--Splendid trails lead in all directions. Large,
unexcavated ruins, magnificent canyons and mesas off the beaten
path unfold the charm of this primitive region. Rates are very
reasonable.
Hikes--To any section of the park can be arranged for with the park
naturalist. If sufficient numbers enroll for such hikes, a
naturalist guide will be provided.
+Accommodations+
At park headquarters, 20 miles from entrance. SPRUCE TREE
LODGE--Cabins, tents, meals, beverages, campers' supplies,
and curios. FREE GOVERNMENT CAMPGROUND--Firewood and water
furnished.
[Illustration: AREAS ADMINISTERED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE]
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