Mesa Verde National Park ranked 13th in a recently published list by Expedia.com of the 21 “most scenic” destinations in the Southwest.
The list was informed in part by a survey conducted by the travel booking website that asked 1,000 users what they thought was “the most beautiful destination in the Southwest United States.” Expedia said the list also includes some favorites handpicked by the company.
The top three destinations on the list were Carlsbad, New Mexico; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Denver.
According to the article in which the list of destinations was published, Colorado was named the most beautiful state in the Southwest, beating out Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada.
“In our survey, we asked travelers which Southwest state was the most beautiful, and Colorado won by a 14 percent margin,” said Lily Rogers, the travel writer for Expedia’s feature, in a statement sent to The Journal. “When breaking it down by area, Mesa Verde came top of mind for the stunning national park and sweeping landscapes. Perfect for nature hikes and scenic road trips, the Mesa Verde region is a must for anyone who loves to explore the most beautiful parts of this country.”
Mesa Verde is among the largest archaeological preserves in the United States. According to the Mesa Verde Country Visitor Information Bureau, an organization that offers trip-planning services in the area, the National Park contains over 5,000 archaeological sites, including approximately 600 cliff dwellings, structures formed by adding masonry to and excavating niches or caves in high cliffs.
Mesa Verde National Park is open year-round, and the park’s visitor center and museum are scheduled to be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through mid-April. Access and services in the park may be limited or unavailable on holidays and during adverse weather conditions.
