Mesa Verde National Park

It's not often that scenic hiking trails are also rich in history, but Mesa Verde has both. This national park is made up of a collection of preserved cliff dwellings built by the Pueblo people centuries ago. For years, the Ancestral Puebloans lived and worked in these cliffside quarters before abandoning them in 1300. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the southwest corner of Colorado to see the ruins of this ancient civilization.

Make time during your visit to see Cliff Palace, one of the park's largest and best-preserved dwellings. On your guided tour, you will be able to see 150 rooms by navigating uneven paths and climbing a few ladders. In addition, there are numerous hiking trails in the surrounding area. The moderate Point Lookout Trail (2.2 miles out and back) is a visitor favorite, offering sweeping views of the park. The Petroglyph Point Trail (a 2.4-mile loop) is also popular because it allows visitors to see the petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls.