Have You Discovered Mesa Verde Yet?

When we moved to Colorado, I thought I had a good grasp of the must-see spots—big mountains, famous parks, maybe a moose sighting or two. But Mesa Verde? I hadn’t even heard of it. (Pause for dramatic gasp.)

But then came that first visit. And wow. The kind of place that makes you whisper, “How did I not know this was here?” A whole world tucked into sandstone cliffs, built by Ancestral Puebloan people over 700 years ago. The kind of world you don’t just walk through—you climb into.

Since then, I’ve returned again and again—touring the incredible Cliff Palace, squeezing through tunnels in Balcony House (and oh my, the ladders!), and wandering along trails that reveal tucked-away cliff dwellings like ancient secrets. It’s history and adventure all in one, and every visit feels like stepping through time.

But there’s one visit I’ll never forget.

The skies were heavy with dramatic clouds, the kind that make photographers do a happy dance. I grabbed my camera and headed for the park, heart thumping. I knew that this was the day I’d capture the perfect reference photos—the kind that don’t just document a view, but tell a story. The kind that would become a painting.

Mesa Verde isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to experience. It invites you to climb, to imagine, to connect. You don’t just admire ancient cliff dwellings—you stand inside them. You don’t just hike trails—you follow in the footsteps of centuries. So if you’ve never been, this is your sign. It’s your adventure waiting to happen, your story waiting to unfold.

Want to bring a piece of Mesa Verde home?
Explore my collection of original paintings, prints, note cards, and more—each one inspired by that unforgettable landscape and the magic of being there in person.
Shop the collection ➝