To try and escape the heat, and I do me heat - I believe it was 120 degrees F when we drove through Phoenix, we decided to venture off to Mesa Verde, CO.
Why Mesa Verde?
Well, mainly because we had heard tales of these native cliff dwelling people that once inhabited the area and their homesteads were still there and we could visit.
A people that built homes on the edges of the cliffs? How cool is that!
We decided to make our journey a little more exciting and took a route that would lead us through 'Four Corners'. You know the spot where you can stand in four states at one time?
Other than worrying our tires would explode from the heat we were excited to head out!
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We were tough though and ventured onward to Mesa Verde.
It was amazing to see the contour of the land change from Arizona to New Mexico and into Colorado.
As we set up, the sun began to set.
It was beautiful.
Hazel is always happy to celebrate Daddy.
The Mesa Verde State Park.
To go on the tour we had to drive an hour inside the park to the cliff dwellings, where you need to purchase a tour to actually visit them. It makes sense, they are hundreds of years old and on the side of a cliff.
Before we headed out, we walked the dogs at the 'RV Resort' and wore them out a bit.
The RV park had a nice grassy area for dogs to stretch and sniff.
The drive through the park was beautiful and a bit steep.
You have to get up to those cliffs!
Sadly, there was a fire that decimated acres and acres of the Juniper tree forrest.
We were told it takes close to 400 years for a full recovery, as Juniper trees are very slow growing.
Cheesey selfie shots
The next morning we were back on the road..
Oh, how I love taking the Truck+RV on small scary bridges (NOT).
As you get close to Payson, a crazy thing happens.
See the above picture- that is most of the drive - desert as far as the eye can see, but as we get near to Payson - TREES appear!
The dogs chill in the RV while we set up.
Why Mesa Verde?
Well, mainly because we had heard tales of these native cliff dwelling people that once inhabited the area and their homesteads were still there and we could visit.
A people that built homes on the edges of the cliffs? How cool is that!
We decided to make our journey a little more exciting and took a route that would lead us through 'Four Corners'. You know the spot where you can stand in four states at one time?
Hot, but ready to go!
This adventure features: Honey (14.5 yo) & Hazel (2 yo)
They are the best road trip doggies ever.
and they love it....
Here we go!
Most of the drive looked a lot like this.
Other than worrying our tires would explode from the heat we were excited to head out!
Desert cows, No shade... Actually, pretty sad.
Hazel on the other hand, is oblivious to the suffering of others as she chills in the a/c.
Almost to Four Corners!
We made it!!
Unfortunately, it was so hot and the spot was outside.
Oh, and there were signs everywhere about no pets allowed, so we carried the dogs.
No one said anything, but we didn't want to push it.
There was a line to stand on the magic spot, which technically we weren't allowed to even be at with the dogs, so we took pics 'next to' the special spot and walked around the perimeter.
Still totally counts.
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One thing we learned very well is that when we see a sign like this, it means that the road is going to be very, very bad....
We were tough though and ventured onward to Mesa Verde.
It was amazing to see the contour of the land change from Arizona to New Mexico and into Colorado.
We stayed at Mesa Verda RV Resort.
It is not located inside the park, but just across the street.
The dogs were so happy to be able to stretch their legs and sniff.
As we set up, the sun began to set.
It was beautiful.
The next morning was Father's Day, so we picked up some breakfast burritos from a local spot.
They were so good, but next time (if there is a next time) - green chilies on the side, not in the burrito. They packed a serious punch!
They had local Native wood carvings for sale on the wall, so I bought this for Todd.
What Todd didn't know is Krystin had purchased him a drawing of crow too, so they would be a perfect compliment in his office.
Hazel is always happy to celebrate Daddy.
The Mesa Verde State Park.
To go on the tour we had to drive an hour inside the park to the cliff dwellings, where you need to purchase a tour to actually visit them. It makes sense, they are hundreds of years old and on the side of a cliff.
Before we headed out, we walked the dogs at the 'RV Resort' and wore them out a bit.
The RV park had a nice grassy area for dogs to stretch and sniff.
It was still 'warm' in the upper 80's, but so much nicer than the 117 at home.
Random: Sometimes plant names are funny!
After we safely tucked the pups in the RV (a/c running) we were ready for our adventure!
The drive through the park was beautiful and a bit steep.
You have to get up to those cliffs!
Sadly, there was a fire that decimated acres and acres of the Juniper tree forrest.
We were told it takes close to 400 years for a full recovery, as Juniper trees are very slow growing.
Pretend that is legible, it says: Balcony House Parking
The reason I was extra excited about this tour is that we had the opportunity to climb a steep wood ladder on the side of a cliff to get in. That is crazy cool.
Cheesey selfie shots
The tour starts on the edge of the cliff as we hike along the side to the ladder.
Yay! The latter!
I wish I had pics of us climbing it, but alas we climbed together and felt inclined to hold on tight!
Pictures just do not do justice to the magnificence of the view.
Todd was testing the safety of the wall structure.
A beautiful crow enjoying the view
Ok, the cliff people were much smaller than we are!
This is the door way.
Todd is demonstrating how very small the doorway is.
We had to exit through the door to leave. I am glad everyone was able to fit!
We love exploring ancient ruins! It is like time travel. Walking in the footsteps of ancient people...
Speaking of time travel... After our epic Cliff Dwelling experience we were so hungry!
We grabbed the pups (who were cuddled up sleeping together when we returned) and decided to try a fun BBQ place.
Little did we know - Elvis would be there to entertain us, hahah..
The pups loved it.
Well, Hazel was less comfortable when I brought her to meet the legend.
Honey is older and was like yah, I know that isn't really Elvis.
We had a beautiful view of the river below us.
It was a wonderful evening.
Hazel did appreciate the view.
The next morning we were back on the road..
Oh, how I love taking the Truck+RV on small scary bridges (NOT).
Hours of Indian Reservation roads. I wasn't exaggerating, they suck.
I suggest avoiding them at all costs, if possible.
Hazel could care less. Oh, to be a puppy.
We were a little nervous about driving home directly with these temps, so decided to break up the trip and stay in Payson for the night.
As you get close to Payson, a crazy thing happens.
See the above picture- that is most of the drive - desert as far as the eye can see, but as we get near to Payson - TREES appear!
Yes, Arizona has trees! They are hiding up in Payson!
Made me smile too!
We stayed at the Payson Campground & RV Resort.
The dogs chill in the RV while we set up.
They think the sofa is their spot!
We headed out back to home the next morning where we beat the heat being that it was only 108F at 10am! We try not to drive on the road when it goes above 115F.
We really enjoyed Colorado and Payson really, but did not enjoy the roads to get there.
Mesa Verde RV Resort
ScoreCard:
Wifi: Yes
Connections: FULL
Bathroom/Shower: Both (didn't use them)
Trash: collected from large dumpster at front (that was full most of the time)
Location: Across from Mesa Verde National Park. Camping type of feel.
Staff: friendly and helpful
Pets: Welcome, pet areas
Spots: Pull-through and back-in - Gravel - decent size
RV/Tent: Rv + Tent
RV/Tent: Rv + Tent
Payson Campground + RV Resort
ScoreCard:
Wifi: Yes
Connections: FULL
Bathroom/Shower: Both (didn't use them)
Trash: collected from large dumpster at front
Location: In the heart of Payson, across from a Dairy Queen. Side note: bit of a steep
hill to enter the park.
hill to enter the park.
Staff: friendly and helpful
Pets: Welcome, pet areas
Spots: Pull-through and back-in - Gravel
RV/Tent: Rv + Tent
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