MESA VERDE WITHOUT RESERVATIONS- The BEST Trail at Mesa Verde National Park = Petroglyph Trail!

You can explore Mea Verde Without Reservations! I take the self-guided tour of the Step House, take the trail to Site 16, Hike the full Petroglyph Trail and camp out at a BLM campground a mile from the National Park entrance!
I loved Mesa Verde last year when I visited, but this is my second visit to the National Park during Covid and I haven't been able to schedule a full tour of Cliff Palace, Balcony House, or Long House so instead I took the self-guided tour through the Step House.
It was my first tour of a cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde and I loved it! I like self guided tours because I can move at my own pace. This was perfect! I also hiked to the overlook for site 16 which was a short hike and well worth it. I even saw my first Tarantula!
My second stop was at Spruce Tree House (not Spring Hill, I've been traveling too much!) Spruce Treehouse is one of my favorite spots in the park. I wanted to take the Petroglyph trail last summer, but it was closed due to low staff, They knew they wouldn't be able to rescue anyone if needed... This year it was open and oh was it worth it!
I was busy just enjoying this trail when the wall of petroglyphs popped right up. It was amazing and totally worth the miles! I ended the day at a free campsite right around the corner from the National Park. AND did I mention the fall colors! It was a beautiful day!!
#mesaverde #mesaverdenationalpark #nationalparks
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My goal for 2021 is to visit every National Park in the United States. I'm starting by converting a cargo van into a place to live on the road. Follow along as I take on #vanlife and raod trip across the US.
In early 2020 I quit my job to travel full time. I started a blog as a way to share the story of my journey and aspirations as a solo female traveler. Check it out at lauraonthemove.com
Exploring National Parks, Hiking, Adventure, Adventure Hiking, Get outside, exploring the US, US Road Trip, United States National Parks, United States Road Trip, Solo Female Adventure, Solo Female Hike, Solo Female Van Life, Solo Hiking, Backpacking, Backpacking Across the United States, Hiking National Parks
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[@LauraOnTheMove]

Here's my first trip to Mesa Verde if you're looking for more! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnbVp4idf9ymrJo

[@JillianCampsArizona]

Love hearing about your new adventures in the Van, so beautiful! Always love looking at petroglyphs myself, it makes you feel connected to those who lived before like “there were people here who maybe touched these rocks too”.

[@LauraOnTheMove]

I have the same feeling thinking about everyone who has walked the trails over the past thousand years. It’s amazing!!

[@douglasharley2440]

lol, i hiked spruce canyon trail and then petroglyph trail this morning and at 15:16 i started getting sympathetic leg cramps. 🤣 awesome overview of a sweet day in mesa verde. also, nice van, tinyhouse *respect!*

[@LauraOnTheMove]

😂 it was fun but half way through I was questioning my choices! And thanks! The van ended up being perfect for me! I actually added my only dent in Mesa Verde so it was memorable for sure!

[@jeanetteaiello7926]

So beautiful! It is neat to watch both your video from last year and compare to see what you checked out on this visit. Very cool!

[@LauraOnTheMove]

I never expected them to be so different! I’m sure I’ll be back again to see what else I can find!!

[@sarahmarshall5434]

so amazing to see what you see on your adventures!!

[@LauraOnTheMove]

Thank you!!

[@fredhartman1325]

I am very interested to know what your plans are after you have completed all the parks. Will you continue to travel and live in your van? Will you then start a new project of revisiting your favorite parks? It's compelling to return. I've been to Grand Canyon seven times, and it's 1400 miles away. Do you see yourself doing this for the rest of your life? What about work? Your van and the parks become your friends. I enjoy your adventures, your courage, and your smiles.

[@LauraOnTheMove]

I'm actually not sure what will be next! There are a ton of destinations on the list, but I have no doubt that over the years I'll be back to many of these parks!!

[@sweetcaroline7689]

Hello Laura, followed your adventure to Mesa Verda. Would love to visit Mesa Verde one day.

[@LauraOnTheMove]

It’s a great trip! Hopefully you get to see it!!

[@MarisolsAdventures]

wow that climbed was sketchy..good job in doing it with one hand :)

[@LauraOnTheMove]

I really questioned if it would work. Happy it only took 2 or 3 trys! 😂

[@pablol5472]

Beautiful places, awesome production! Do you remember the time to hike to Step House and Petroglyph Point Trail out and back?

[@LauraOnTheMove]

I think it was a little over an hour. I’m not sure exactly. Great hike! Worth the time to do the full loop.

[@machambers00]

I hope the trails are wider than they look! 🙈💜

[@LauraOnTheMove]

I had to turn sideways on a few but luckily not for long!