Winding Down our Stay in Mancos, CO

Small town Mancos, CO is the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park. It sits on highway 160 just about midway between Cortez and Durango. It's a beautiful place to stop in the spring, right near the border of the San Juan National Forest  in view of the La Plata Mountains. The Mancos River runs through town and the small valley is green and inviting.

Mancos River, right through town.

We spent our last full day back in Mesa Verde National Park and visited Wetherill Mesa, a part of the park with fewer visitors and only open in the summer months. We took the ranger-led tour of Long House, walked the Step House Trail and checked out the Badger House Ruins.

Long House

Long House from the opposite end.
There is a seep right below the center of the dwelling where young trees are growing.

I can honestly say we were spoiled by our hike at Sand Canyon the previous day. Not only was it free, but it was on our own time, self guided, wild, and unexpected. Mesa Verde is a beautiful park but there are many other wonderful sights to see around here. Next time we are in the area we will probably stay closer to the Four Corners allowing us more in depth exploration of the Ancient Puebloans land.

We've had a wonderful stay at Mesa Verde RV Resort (review up soon). Not only was the resort nice but our RVing buddies Amy and Rod stayed here a few days as well and we had fun visiting with them.

Tomorrow we're off to Durango for two weeks where we're excited to meet up once again with John and Pam whom we haven't seen since Tucson in February. There will be hiking! and biking! and a birthday!

Life is very good.