This summer we went to Vegas for a professional conference, and then passed through the Four Corners area on the way home. I love that area as it has fascinating history. In Mesa Verde, we were privileged to attend the last Ranger-led hike into the back country to a site called Spring House. Mesa Verde is tightly regulated, and the park does not allow any kind of back country hiking unless it is with a Ranger
Out hike was limited to 10, but because this was the last hike of the season (because the temperatures were becoming unbearably hot), there were only four of us (plus Park staff)
A structure that was very difficult to photograph - had to crawl on my belly to the edge of the cliff
Buzzard house
Pot sherds at Spring House - this is a "pristine" site currently being excavated. The trash dump has yet to be explored
Spring house
The two folks we traveled with on this hike. They told us that this hike was on their bucket list, and that the wife had walked 25 miles per week for the past 6 months. Unfortunately, the heat was too much and she needed to be carried out by the medical staff.
The views were spectacular. The guy in the photo was a park volunteer; I'd like to do that one of these days.
The white cottony material was a growth that turned deep reddish purple when rubbed between the hands
This guy was enjoying the midday sun