Mesa Verde Country is so plentiful with history, culture, artifacts, stories, and ancient structures that it can be almost overwhelming. Places like the Mesa Verde National Park Visitor Center, Cortez Cultural Center, and the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum are excellent resources to help a traveler wrap their heads around all the thousands of historical sites in the region. After that, you can take it a step further with a knowledgeable, passionate, local guide. For that, we recommend connecting with the Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance.
Their mission is to collaborate with the Bureau of Land Management to engage the public through education, outreach, and stewardship for the use and enjoyment of the natural and cultural landscape of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and nearby public lands.
One invaluable way they do this is by providing guided tours of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Join an expert to learn all about the Ancestral Puebloan culture, archaeology, the plantlife and wildlife of the monument, and tips to travel with respect and care for the landscape and artifacts.
The Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance offers a wide variety of tours of different lengths. These include interpretive hikes from half a day to a full day, petroglyph tours, guided visits to ancient pueblos, and even family activities for children as young as 5 years old.
Learn more about the impact of the Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance on protecting our “back yard,” and take a tour to learn more about all the treasures that our neighborhood holds.