Page AZ to Cortez, CO and Mesa Verde didn’t provide many miles but we did go through Monument Valley and some totally awesome country.

Every pic you have seen of Monument Valley can’t help but display the “real” thang. There is almost no way to get a bad pic, much like the Grand Canyon. I didn’t even stop much, but when I did, I was in awe of my surroundings.

Here is an example: I mean, how much better could it get?? I was feeling like alien probing was next, after all how could I still be on earth??

Coffee was in order and we had found just the place.

They had just closed but were gracious enough to allow us a couple of drinks. We were totally appreciative.

Wagons and wildflowers

This structure was directly behind the coffee shop. Wow.

Mesa Verde, I just didn’t do justice to photography wise. The park is huge and the ride in was a windy road that was a blast, even given the limited speed zones. Mesa Verde features numerous ruins of homes and villages built by the ancient Pueblo people known as the Anasazi. The Anasazi made this stone village their home in 1200 AD. As one wanders through the ancient dwellings you’d swear you can feel the energy of a lost people.

Pano of the valley from the Mesa

We were greeted at the visitor center by these very lovely ladies having fun at work. They promptly christened Gary a Jr. Park Ranger and gave him a badge and told him to assist any visitors that needed help, *wink wink*. We stamped my National Park Pass and went out to gear back up and ride to where the tour was organized.

We got water ready for the walk down and met the group. We were a fairly small group with less than 30 people. The ranger gave his spiel as we descended into the ruins.

Steep stairs, but at least this park warns of the steep assents, numerous stairs and sheer drop offs!