Going into Mesa Verde National Park is a high, literally. At one point during your journey you will be above 8,000 feet. Therefore, altitude sickness is a health concern for some.
The highlight of Mesa Verde is the cliff dwellings and other structures exhibiting a peak into a historic lifestyle that challenges the imagination. Just gathering food and water for survival appears to have required significant calories expended in climbing. Perhaps this glimpse into the past will stir more appreciation of all the benefits afforded you today for healthy living.
Suggest a stalk up of water before entering this national park as you will venture into a vast mesa filled expanse of potentially windy dry air. So cruising around in Mesa Verde is an ideal environment to cause thirst with few opportunities to obtain a liquid quench. And bring along some snacks to take in while perched upon a high mesa with an outstretched panorama.
Hiking Tips: Petroglyph Point Trail is a difficult, yet exhilarating, hike. For about half of this trek you will be literally traversing on the edge of a steep canyon. You will climb and descend numerous rock staircases and pass through a couple narrow rock passages. At the petroglyphs there is a very steep, but short, climb requiring use of all fours (hands and feet). Therefore, this may not be a wise excursion choice if you have any joint problems or an issue with heights. An enjoyable alternative is walking the Knife Edge Trail. It is a very easy hike and offers magnificent views along the way.
