COME TO LIFE Mesa Verde National Park Trail of the Ancients Scenic and Historic Byway In southwest Colorado, the Trail of the Ancients Scenic and Historic Byway brings you into direct contact with millennia of human history. The route connects modern towns with archaeological sites that trace the deep cultural lineage of Indigenous peoples in the Four Corners region. Begin in Towaoc at the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park . Tours are led by Ute guides and include access to cliff dwellings, petroglyph panels and ancestral sites not open to the public without a reservation. These guided experiences combine oral histories with on-the-ground interpretation, offering context for a deeper understanding. Northwest of Towaoc, Sutcliffe Vineyards operates in McElmo Canyon, growing grapes at 5,300 feet above sea level. Relax in the outdoors with a tasting surrounded by fruit trees and sandstone rock formations. The vineyard specializes in Rhône varietals like syrah, and its off-the-grid feel makes the experience especially memorable. Cortez lies east of Mesa Verde National Park and serves as a base for exploring the region’s deeper archaeological landscape. You can access charging here before heading into the park, where ranger-guided tours visit sites like Cliff Palace and Long House . Mesa Verde includes more than 600 cliff dwellings, and seasonal programs allow you to climb ladders, walk into alcoves and hear how people once lived on this dramatic terrain. 116 1-800-COLORADO ANDREW MAGUIRE
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2026: Page 116
