Mesa Verde RV Park, CO
We had a one night stop in Chama, CO on our way to Mesa Verde, otherwise, the drive would have been close to 5 hrs . The campground was ok, we met some nice folks working there, it opened just the previous week and I see why. It was cold!
The drive next day over the mountains of Carson National Forest was beautiful, with sweeping views of the alpine meadows and final descent into the valley.
Next day we got to Mancos, our campground is just half mile away from the Mesa Verde Park entry. We settled in and then went looking for some lunch/dinner, it was just after 4pm (I don’t want to say old folks dinner, that’s at 5pm). Mancos Brewing Company was recommended to us when we checked it, for beer and pizza. And we were not disappointed. We had bbq chicken pizza and Blue Jay Trails pale ale, both were excellent. We chatted with our server and the manager, all very friendly and nice to talk to.
The following day we explored the park. I keep forgetting that the town of Mancos is at 7800 feet and the southern mesa is at about 7000 feet. Breathing becomes a challenge for me as we hiked to various viewpoints.
Most of the archeological sites are on Chapin Mesa. Driving there was interesting as well, winding turns and great views of the valley. It was too early for tours of the cliff dwellings, but you could still see some clearly from various overlooks. The history of the people and these places is still not fully understood, it is related to the Pueblo people of Taos and to other Pueblos. Looking at this dwellings, tucked into arches 100-150 feet below mesa’s top, seems unreal that someone would make their home there. Not easy to say “oops, I forgot something on the top” and then have to get it.
After all that activity, we just had to go back and have another pizza and beer at Mancos Brewing Company, again, well worth it.
We met a nice couple from Florida at the campground, they travel in a class-A bus. I love hearing people’s stories of why they travel, where they’ve been and what they enjoy. It is not different from ours, retire and hit the road while you can.
The weather did not oblige us the next day, it was cold and windy but we still toured the campground in the park (thank goodness for the America the Beautiful pass!).
Next morning, we woke up to snow and frozen water hose. When will the warm weather finally start?
Tom fixed it quickly and soon we were on our way to Monument Valley.
