Mesa Verde National Park

This park is wholly dedicated to the preservation and display of extensive archaeological remains that adorn the site. There are a number of viewing options and a variety of ancient homes the range in complexity from simple pits in the ground to the famous rocky cliff-side communities.

The eighty-one miles between Cortez and Monaco are packed with remnants from a culture the called the cliffs home for about nine hundred years. Designated hiking is allowed, but you are better off taking the ranger-specific trails. These jaunts are thoroughly informative, if you want a good chunk of information about the mysteriously advanced race of people. The museum is a worthwhile stop as well, housing many recovered artifacts.