Slides of Mesa Verde
- Mesa Verde as viewed from the northern
escarpment, looking NE across Montezuma Valley. "Mesa" Verde
is actually a cuesta (top surface slopes), not a mesa (top surface horizontal).
The cuesta or mesa is on the right, you can see the escarpment of the cuesta
on the left.
- In this aerial view of Mesa Verde, you
can see valleys cut into the escarpment, descending toward Montezuma Valley
on the right. Mesa Verde itself extends toward the left.RThe
- The uppermost rock layer is the Cliff House
Sandstone. Below it, the Menafee Formation forms the sloping part of
the canyon wall.
- Steep narrow canyons cut through the cuesta.
Beneath the Cliff House Sandstone and the Menafee Formation lies the Point
Lookout Sandstone.
- Looking across a canyon, Cliff Palace
is visible in an alcove at the base of the Cliff House Sandstone.
- Details of Cliff Palace show up better
in this view from the trail.
- Square Tower House is one cliff dwelling
that is not open to the public.
- Spruce Tree House, on the other hand,
is both accessible and free - you needn't wait for a tour to explore this
cliff dwelling.
- Spruce Tree House is shaded by the
overhanging cliffs and conveniently located near a good spring.
- Some of the structures have been partially restored.
- Entrance to a kiva (an underground ceremonial
room) that has been restored.
- Visitors can climb down a ladder to get into the kiva
.
- Other kivas can be viewed, but not entered.