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SCENIC BYWAY

Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Road

31.1 miles: 1 hours, 8 minutes

Mesa Verde National Park occupies a semiarid plateau that was home to Ancestral Pueblo People A.D. 600-1300. This scenic byway follows the park road out to Chapin Mesa, passing overlooks with sweeping views of Montezuma Valley and swinging by several archeological sites, including some of the most picturesque cliff dwellings for which the park is known.

flickr/Graeme Churchard

Mesa Verde National Park road winds around mesas and through scrubland dotted with stands of piñon pine and juniper. Park Point and Montezuma Valley overlooks offer excellent views across the valley. The road ends in two loop roads, where overlooks show off the park's signature cliff dwellings tucked into canyon alcoves, including impressive Cliff Palace and Balcony House.

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