We pulled into Pagosa Springs at about 9pm and looked for a place to crash. Skyview Motel rated “decent” on Yelp and was bottom line cheap so we stopped there. As soon as we checked into the office though, everything screamed, and I kid you not, Norman Bates Especially when he kept reminding us that it was a “family run business.” It was definitely questionable but after chit chatting with the owner a bit and seeing the room, it was a good deal for our money. In the morning we explored the town to see the infamous hot springs that made this town so sought after.
Most of the places around town sold spa packages that were reasonable, however; we were on a tight budget so we decided just to walk around and to our luck we found a public and very free HOT springs pond. We aren’t sure if you are even allowed to dip your feet in but we certainly enjoyed the 135 degree footbath. It was a perfect start to the next leg of the road trip as we made our way to Mesa Verde.
We followed the winding road till we summited the cuesta. At 7,000ft and at 82 degrees we needed our water bottles constantly full and camera ready for a day of exploration of this ancient and amazing Anasazi dwelling. Meredith and I remember venturing here when we were little, but only vaguely. To see it all and actually pay attention to the rangers was a completely different experience.
Now, a reoccurring luck has been following us throughout our journey; and it definitely came in full swing that day as we pulled up to the park entrance of Mesa Verde.
Today was the Grand Opening of the Visitor Center and all park entrance fees were FREE.
We decided to hike three different tour-guided sections: Cliff Palace, Spruce Tree House and our personal fav--Balcony House. Each was fascinating in its own right learning about the way these people constructed their homes in cliff overhangs that were scaled daily by every man, woman and child in the village. Once constructed out of clay and the surrounding lumber these villages could hold upwards of 130 Anasazi. What’s so bizarre though, is that they only stayed there for a matter of three generations before they up and left, leaving the entire canyon deserted in less than 100 years of occupation.
Many theories surround their departure; perhaps it was the over farmed soil, disputes over food and environmental changes. Whatever the reason, they were there and gone in less than a century. And what an incredible home they left behind… We felt privileged to be able to enjoy such a historical treasure and grateful to the National Park Service for its preservation.
After this full day of driving, hiking and tours we welcomed the nearest R&R across from the park. Tired and ready for a good nights rest before the Four Corners and the Grand Staircase we set up shop at the A&A Campgrounds and were quite comfortable and happy with the $20 situation.
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