Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park and the Durango and Silverton Railroad
Program No. 126360MEADV-1116-60
From a historic train ride to a legacy of mining, from ancient Puebloan architecture to the inspiring landscapes of Mesa Verde National Park, learn the story of the Four Corners region.
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 3L 5D
2
Historical & Archaeological Overview, Cliff Palace visit.
Mesa Verde, CO
3
Navajo Culture through an Artist's Eyes. Textile demo.
Mesa Verde, CO
4
Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Mesa Verde, CO
5
Free Morning, Mesa Verde Historic District
Mesa Verde, CO
6
Program Concludes
Departures
At a Glance
The Ancestral Puebloans chose Mesa Verde, now a world heritage site, as their home over a millennium ago, building an elaborate culture among the canyons and cliffs. Learn about these prehistoric Puebloan people as you trace park history from its discovery to the Native Americans who share Four Corners country today, and hear about railroad and Colorado mining history during a full-day field trip aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to one-half mile over varied terrain. Must be able to climb short ladder at ruins. Elevations up to 9,700 feet.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Study the cultural, artistic, engineering and farming advancements of these prehistoric people during visits to ruins on the mesa-top and to view cliff dwellings at Spruce Tree House and Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde’s showpiece.
- Learn about the CCC boys at Mesa Verde, railroads, miners, cowboys and Navajo inhabitants of this Western region.
- Ascend nearly 3,000 feet by steam train through some of the most dramatic terrain ever traversed by rail; return to Durango on the Million Dollar Highway.
General Notes
Transportation on this program is by full sized motorcoach which seats about 40 participants.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Jerry Cohoe
Artist Jerry Cohoe is the son of a Diné (Navajo) medicine man from Tocito, New Mexico. His mother is from the Bit'ahnii (leaf) clan and his father from the 'Ashiihi (salt people) clan. Jerry’s interest in art began as a child when he would watch his mother weave intricate traditional Diné rug designs or witness ritualistic sand paintings during his father's healing ceremonies. Jerry's work reflects his Diné heritage and most of his studies are framed in the setting of the Great Diné Nation.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Jerry Cohoe
View biography
Artist Jerry Cohoe is the son of a Diné (Navajo) medicine man from Tocito, New Mexico. His mother is from the Bit'ahnii (leaf) clan and his father from the 'Ashiihi (salt people) clan. Jerry’s interest in art began as a child when he would watch his mother weave intricate traditional Diné rug designs or witness ritualistic sand paintings during his father's healing ceremonies. Jerry's work reflects his Diné heritage and most of his studies are framed in the setting of the Great Diné Nation.
Trina Lindig
View biography
Trina Lindig grew up at Mesa Verde National Park as the daughter of a Park Ranger. She also became a Park Ranger and spent time at Mesa Verde and Grand Canyon, where her husband was a park administrator. Trina has been associated with Road Scholar for more than 20 years and has coordinated programs at both the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde.
Mark Varien
View biography
Mark Varien is the executive vice president of the Research Institute at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, and has been conducting research in southwestern Colorado since 1979. As part of the Village Ecodynamics project, Varien works with a team of researchers to create a database of all the known ancient Puebloan archaeological sites to reconstruct the population history of the area. He has a Ph.D. from Arizona State and is the author of the 2010 book 'Leaving Mesa Verde: Peril and Change in the Thirteenth-Century Southwest.'
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Mesa Verde National Park and the Durango and Silverton Railroad
Program Number: 1263
Ancient Peoples of the American Southwest
The American Southwest is home to some of the most remarkable monuments of America's prehistoric past, such as Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde. Stephen Plog, who has spent decades working in the region, provides the most readable and up-to-date account of the predecessors of the modern Hopi and Pueblo Indian cultures in this well-received account. Chaco Canyon became the center of a thriving Anasazi cultural tradition. It was the hub of a trading network extending over hundreds of miles, whose arteries were a series of extraordinary roads that are still being discovered and mapped. Interweaving the latest archaeological evidence with early first-person accounts, Professor Plog explains the rise and mysterious fall of Southwestern cultures. 224pp.
Guide to the Geology of Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906 to protect and study the large concentration of Anasazi Indian sites on the mesa tops, cliffs and canons. Although most of the thousands of visitors to the Park are attracted by the archaeology sites, the spectacular scenery certainly enhances the enjoyment of this area. This book provides first, a road log with brief descriptions of the geology at many viewpoints. The second section contains a more detailed geologic history of the region from some two billion years ago to the present, along with the explanation of some of the basic geological processes at work. References are given throughout the road log too more detailed discussion of specific topics in the second section of the text. A glossary at the end of the book may help with unfamiliar terms. A geological map of Mesa Verde also accompanies this book.
With Picks, Shovels, & Hope: The CCC and Its Legacy on the Colorado Plateau
At the height of the Great Depression, two of America's richest resources-its young men and its public lands-were in peril. As unemployed young men despaired at their prospects for earning a living for themselves and their families, choking dust storms stripped away farmland and fire ravaged the nation's forests. Only days after taking office in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched a new program to help save both treasures.
The Cliff Dwellers of Mesa Verde
The summer and autumn of 1891 I passed through Colorado, engaged upon investigations of the remarkable cliff dwellings scattered in the canons of an extensive plateau, the Mesa Verde, in the southwest of the state. The present work is the result of those researches. It contains a description of the ruins, an account of the excavations carried out there and of the objects discovered. In order to trace as far as possible the development of the cliff-dweller culture, I append a survey of the ruins in the South-western states akin to the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, a description of the Moki Indians, the descendents of the ancient Pueblo tribes, and an account, based on the relations of the first Spanish explorers, of the manors and customs of the agricultural town-building Indians in the middle of the sixteenth century. A special part of the work is devoted to a description by Prof. G. Retzius of the crania found during the excavations.
Ancient Ruins of the Southwest: An Archaeological Guide
This third edition of David Grant Noble's indispensable guide to archaeological ruins of the American Southwest includes updated text and thirteen newly opened archaeological sites. From Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument in Texas to the Zuni - Acoma Trail in New Mexico (including Canyonlands National Park, Grand Gulch, Natural Bridges National Monument, San Juan River, Newspaper Rock and other Moab area rock art sites), readers will be provided with old-time favorites and new treasures. In addition to descriptions of each site, Noble provides time-saving tips for the traveler, citing major highways, nearby towns and the facilities they offer, campgrounds, and other helpful information. Filled with photos of ruins, petroglyphs, and artifacts, as well as maps, this is a guide every traveler needs when they are exploring the Southwest. Covers much of southeastern Utah including Grand Gulch Primitive Area, Natural Bridges National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, and Canyonlands National Park. 238pp.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Mesa Verde, CO
Program Concludes
Departures
Meals
13
| 5B |
3L |
5D |
Activity Level
The Ancestral Puebloans chose Mesa Verde, now a world heritage site, as their home over a millennium ago, building an elaborate culture among the canyons and cliffs. Learn about these prehistoric Puebloan people as you trace park history from its discovery to the Native Americans who share Four Corners country today, and hear about railroad and Colorado mining history during a full-day field trip aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Study the cultural, artistic, engineering and farming advancements of these prehistoric people during visits to ruins on the mesa-top and to view cliff dwellings at Spruce Tree House and Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde’s showpiece.
- Learn about the CCC boys at Mesa Verde, railroads, miners, cowboys and Navajo inhabitants of this Western region.
- Ascend nearly 3,000 feet by steam train through some of the most dramatic terrain ever traversed by rail; return to Durango on the Million Dollar Highway.
General Notes
Transportation on this program is by full sized motorcoach which seats about 40 participants.
Featured Expert
Jerry Cohoe
Artist Jerry Cohoe is the son of a Diné (Navajo) medicine man from Tocito, New Mexico. His mother is from the Bit'ahnii (leaf) clan and his father from the 'Ashiihi (salt people) clan. Jerry’s interest in art began as a child when he would watch his mother weave intricate traditional Diné rug designs or witness ritualistic sand paintings during his father's healing ceremonies. Jerry's work reflects his Diné heritage and most of his studies are framed in the setting of the Great Diné Nation.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Trina Lindig
Trina Lindig grew up at Mesa Verde National Park as the daughter of a Park Ranger. She also became a Park Ranger and spent time at Mesa Verde and Grand Canyon, where her husband was a park administrator. Trina has been associated with Road Scholar for more than 20 years and has coordinated programs at both the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde.
Mark Varien
Mark Varien is the executive vice president of the Research Institute at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, and has been conducting research in southwestern Colorado since 1979. As part of the Village Ecodynamics project, Varien works with a team of researchers to create a database of all the known ancient Puebloan archaeological sites to reconstruct the population history of the area. He has a Ph.D. from Arizona State and is the author of the 2010 book 'Leaving Mesa Verde: Peril and Change in the Thirteenth-Century Southwest.'
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to one-half mile over varied terrain. Must be able to climb short ladder at ruins. Elevations up to 9,700 feet.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(5 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals | 5B | 3L | 5D |
3 expert-led lectures
5 expert-led field trips
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Program Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Mesa Verde, CO
Meals:
D
Stay:
Far View Lodge
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration. 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the hotel conference room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in
Dinner:
At the restaurant inside the lodge, we’ll have plated meals from a select menu. There will be several entrees to choose from, as well as dessert. Soup or salad is included and vegetarian and gluten-free choices are available. Coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Orientation: After dinner, the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Unless otherwise specified, transportation will be provided primarily by motorcoach, which requires going up/down a few steps when getting on/off. Classes will take place in the hotel meeting room. Please indicate before the start of the program if you require a vegetarian or gluten-free diet. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Day
2
Historical & Archaeological Overview, Cliff Palace visit.
Location:
Mesa Verde, CO
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Far View Lodge
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; paved pathways with slight grades at elevation of roughly 7,000 feet; be sure to stay hydrated and take your time. Hike at Cliff Palace, at an elevation of 7,000 feet, involves climbing five, 8-10 foot (2.6-3 meter) ladders on a 100-foot (30 meter) vertical climb. Getting on/off motor coach often for stops at overlooks and ruin sites; driving approximately 27 miles throughout the day; about 4 hours total.
Breakfast:
At an eatery close to the lodge (Far View Terrace), we’ll have multiple choices in a cafeteria setting including vegetarian and gluten-free choices, plus coffee, tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.
Morning:
A regional expert will join us in the lodge meeting room to give a presentation introducing us to the geography and pre-history of Mesa Verde. They will cover how and why the first people came to the Mesa, how they adapted to its unique conditions and environment, and how these ancestral Puebloan people fit into the larger economic and social network of the region. Mesa Verde National Park has been declared a World Heritage Site. Some 4,400 archaeological sites have been recorded, including villages built on the Mesa top.
Lunch:
Far View Terrace: multiple choices in a cafeteria setting including vegetarian and gluten-free choices, plus coffee, tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we have our big guided field trip of Mesa Verde and its many wonders. Enjoy a chronological view of the lives and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people by stopping at a variety of archeological sites. Each stop will illustrate how the people adapted both architecture and social structure to meet the changing needs of their society. The final experience is a walk down into Cliff Palace, the best known of all the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings with an NPS ranger. Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in North America and a site recognized by people around the world for its beauty, well-preserved condition, and historical significance. With 150 rooms and 23 kivas, as many as 100 people may have inhabited Cliff Palace, which is also thought to have served social, administrative and ceremonial purposes. A Mesa Verde National Park Ranger will interpret this World Heritage Site throughout our exploration. Exploration of Cliff palace requires climbing five, 8-10 foot (2.6-3 meter) ladders on a 100-foot (30 meter) vertical climb. For those people who are unsure of their abilities to explore the inside of the ruins, they can remain behind at the overlook of the ruins and use their listening device to hear the park service live interpretation of the site.
Dinner:
Lodge restaurant plated meal.
Evening:
In our meeting room, enjoy a video telling the story of Mesa Verde.
Day
3
Navajo Culture through an Artist's Eyes. Textile demo.
Location:
Mesa Verde, CO
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Far View Lodge
Activity Note
Walking distance of a mile throughout day. Mostly flat, paved surfaces.
Breakfast:
Far View Terrace.
Morning:
In the hotel meeting room, we’ll be joined by a Navajo (Diné) artist and hear his story of his family growing up on the reservation, living and surviving in both the Navajo Nation and the United States. He will discuss his emergence as an artist who honors his family and culture with his detailed and evocative portraiture.
Lunch:
Far View Terrace.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a presentation and demonstration from a native textile artist.
Dinner:
Lodge restaurant plated meal.
Evening:
Gather in the lodge meeting room with our Group Leader to prepare for tomorrows Durango and Silverton rail field trip.
Day
4
Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Location:
Mesa Verde, CO
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Far View Lodge
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; paved and unpaved walkways, sidewalks. Elevations between 6,500 and 9,300 feet. Dress for high elevation conditions in Silverton with sun protection and cooler temperatures. Bus to Durango and return to Mesa Verde National Park; 120 miles total, approx. 2 hours. Train trip is round trip with a layover in Silverton for 2 hours. Total train excursion is 9 hours total.
Breakfast:
En route to Durango aboard the bus, we’ll have bagged breakfasts including fruit, a pastry, a hard-boiled egg; coffee and tea included.
Morning:
Boarding the bus, we’ll get an early start in order to make it to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s station before the departure of our steam train to Silverton. This is a classic rail journey with spectacular San Juan Mountain scenery. Originally constructed to haul ore including gold and silver, the rail line has been delighting sight-seers since the late 1800s. This rail line is unique since it employs steam locomotives dating from the 1920s and uses coal exclusively to power the engine. Throughout the rail journey, conductors, brakemen and volunteer ‘rail rangers’ roam the train to answer questions and provide information on the history of the Durango and Silverton region, natural history and geographic features seen on the journey, the rail line, and the train’s operation. Our Group Leader will also be able to provide information and answer questions about the train and the sights.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Silverton. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Enjoy some time for independent exploration in the mining village of Silverton with its Victorian-style buildings and alpine views of the surrounding peaks. We’ll then rendezvous at a predetermined time and take a bus back to Durango. The bus shaves about an hour off of our travel time and will give us time to explore a museum in Durango before dinner.
Dinner:
At the historic Strater Hotel, we’ll choose plated entrées from a select menu, with coffee, tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
We’ll then return to the lodge and hopefully a enjoy a very rest full sleep after a very full day.
Day
5
Free Morning, Mesa Verde Historic District
Location:
Mesa Verde, CO
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Far View Lodge
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; some uneven surfaces and steps indoors. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 27 miles throughout the day; about 1.5 hours total.
Breakfast:
Far View Terrace..
Morning:
Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. For those of you that desire to visit the Balcony House Ruins - please read the expanded information in the "Notes" section of this letter. Other places to visit include the Far View Sites, the Chapin Mesa Museum, the Visitors' Center Museum, Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, Mancos/Cortez, some of the lesser-known sites within the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, or just relax with the magnificent view of the Four Corners region from your balcony. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions upon your arrival.
Lunch:
Far View Terrace.
Afternoon:
We’ll then journey to the park’s historic district for a walkabout where our Group Leader will provide insight into her life growing up in Mesa Verde. Afterwards, we’ll board the motorcoach and return to the lodge with time to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
At the lodge, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated farewell dinner among our fellow participants with standard beverages; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
We’ll then gather for a program wrap-up session with our Group Leader to recap our time together before enjoying an evening of entertainment and celebration of cowboy songs of the West with local entertainers. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Departures
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
Far View Terrace. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
- May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025 (Mesa Verde, CO to Departures)
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025 (Mesa Verde, CO to Departures)
- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025 (Mesa Verde, CO to Departures)
Participant Reviews
Based on 9 Reviews
Sort By:
The Far View Lodge is a really great location for this program. However, Travelers need to be aware that some rooms (perhaps all) have mice in them. Be prepared to keep any food/snacks in your room refrigerator.
— Review left September 23, 2024
This was my first trip with Road Scholar, although I consider myself a 'seasoned' traveler, having personally led offshore group trips and and also participated in other tour group trips.
For me, it was a mixed bag.
On the 'pro' side:
Trina Lindig is a wonderful host and coordinator. She did an amazing job, especially considering that she had to handle 40 participants (other tour groups would have had two hosts for a group this size). She was friendly, accommodating, and very well organized. Thanks, Trina!!
I enjoyed the history lessons/literature and the visits to the various ancient sites, including the hike down into Cliff Palace. I also enjoyed the train ride to Silverton - very picturesque!
On the 'con' side:
The hours-long lectures - much of which were redundant or anecdotal - without many breaks, just does not work for me. I understand that this is the 'standard' Road Scholar MO, so, having experienced this I likely will not be signing up for RS trips again. Some people may enjoy spending their vacation sitting and listening to hours-long lectures but it just isn't my style. I'm an 'action' person. Give me something to read and then let me go experience what I read about - that's what works for me.
Also, the NP Service ought to fire Aramark for the terrible food service they provide at Far View Terrace. In a National Park, you would expect some healthy eating options, but that is not what is offered at the Terrace. The dinners at the actual Far View Lodge fine-dining restaurant were delicious, though.
We had very little time to experience Silverton, CO. It was just a quick 'in and out' situation - barely enough time to have lunch and leave again. Sad. There is so much mining history there.
That said, overall it was a positive experience for me.
— Review left September 16, 2024
This is an amazing program. It checked all the boxes! The field trips were fantastic, as well as the lectures. Trina is a perfect group leader. My husband and I had fun as well as a wonderful learning experience. If you have some issues with altitude, I recommend getting a prescription for it. Some participants felt a mild altitude difference, experiencing some exhaustion. I was glad to have a prescription for it.
— Review left September 14, 2024
The right mix of exploration, inspiration and education, engagingly presented in stunning surroundings, an unforgettable experience!
— Review left June 3, 2024
Done professionally, well spaced out during the activities and we may well return sometime in the future
— Review left May 19, 2024
This is my first experience with Road Scholars and it’s definitely awesome and exciting experience. I will surely consider my next adventure vacation with them.
— Review left May 17, 2024
We had an excellent experience with a once in a lifetime snowfall that enhanced the environment. Our group leader was delightful and stayed positive even when we encountered “whiteout” conditions. Seeing this national park through her eyes made the visit unique, interesting and most of all fun.
— Review left June 9, 2019
Amazing program in an absolutely gorgeous location. Learned so much about people who came before us. Had wonderful leader and speakers.
— Review left June 5, 2019
Marvelous trip. The dramatic cliffs and canyons and the remnants of dwellings occupied more than a thousand years ago are amazing. While learning about the history of the people who have inhabited the area, I also made new discoveries about myself. Despite the unexpected snow every day of our trip, our fearless leader, Trina Lindig, did a great job of rearranging the schedule and overcoming closed roads. She and the other speakers provided fascinating stories and presentations that created a delightful experience.
— Review left May 29, 2019
