© Piet Van de Mark 2008. Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde

Sonoran Studies Public Programs

Mesa Verde Archaeology

Mesa Verde in southwestern Colorado is renowned for its striking landscape and spectacular cliff dwellings, many of which were constructed in the A.D. 1200s. These same places have received much notoriety as the last homes of the so-called "Anasazi" before the region's abrupt abandonment in A.D. 1280. Where did these people come from and where did they go?

To understand the great span of Pueblo history in the Four Corners region we need to begin our exploration at sites situated in the archaeologically rich Montezuma Valley, an amazing, beautiful and comparatively little-known basin country that lies at the foot of the Mesa Verde.

We will unravel the past with our archaeologist scholar Jonathan Till by visiting a variety of sites -- small & large prehistoric villages, a prehistoric road, great kiva and Great House-- that date to different points in time during the 700-year Pueblo history. Adding to that experience, we will turn our attention to the incredible Mesa Verde itself and will complete our story with visits to a number of sites, including walking through large cliff dwellings.

Travel roundtrip from Tucson through some of Arizona's most breathtaking scenery, then through Navajo Land and into Colorado's fabled Four Corners Country. Comfortable accommodations, all breakfasts and several picnics afield are included. The wildlife in the Mesa Verde region is wonderful! Deer and turkeys are almost commonplace and birds are everywhere. Reserving now for $1895 per person, double occupancy.

Personally hosted by Mary & Piet Van de Mark. Call Baja's Frontier Tours in Tucson at (520) 887-2340 for detailed brochures, information and registration. Special cancellation policy applies.
www.bajasfrontiertours.com
piet@bajasfrontiertours.com

Dates: May 12, 2010 - May 18, 2010