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.