The premier archaeological park in the United States and a World Cultural Heritage Site, celebrating its centennial as the first national park set aside to preserve the works of humankind.
Explore the HistoryOn June 29, 2006, Mesa Verde National Park celebrated 100 years as the first national park set aside to preserve the works of humankind. Located in southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, making it the largest archaeological preserve in the United States. The cultural and natural resources in the Mesa Verde region are significant both nationally and internationally, telling the story of the Ancestral Puebloan people who made it their home for over 700 years.
The centennial celebration brought together park staff, the Mesa Verde Museum Association, local communities, and visitors from around the world for a year-long commemoration of this extraordinary place and its irreplaceable cultural heritage.
Designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978, Mesa Verde is recognized for its outstanding universal cultural value and the exceptional preservation of its archaeological resources.
Nearly five thousand known archaeological sites span the mesa, from early pithouses to elaborate cliff dwellings, documenting centuries of Ancestral Puebloan life and innovation.
The famous cliff dwellings, including Cliff Palace with its 150 rooms, represent the pinnacle of Ancestral Puebloan architecture and engineering achievement.