The Cliff Palace

The Cliff Palace is closed to visitors in the evening, but from a vantage point across and above, the sun blazes on the top of the mesa

This cliff dwelling can only be visited by climbing a ladder comprised of poles and ropes, and is not for the feint of heart. The reward is standing on the edge looking out to the valley.

Corn Grinding

This stone shows a significant amount of cupping from being used to grind maize. The stone particles in the corn were particularly hard on the teeth of the Anasazi.

Steps Carved in Stone

This ruin across the valley caught my eye, and with the 400mm lens I was able to identify the steps carved into the stone allowing access to the upper level of the community.

Rainbow above Mesa Verde

We were having dinner at the restaurant in Mesa Verde when I looked out the window...I excused myself, grabbed the camera, and captured this image. Still got dessert.

Sunset

Sunset from the Mesa, high above the valley floor

The Round Tower

This very special structure in the Cliff Palace that made me think of a dwelling for royalty