Colorado is home to four national parks: Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dune National Park and Preserve, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Source: https://kiowacountypress.net/content/nearly-all-national-park-sites-close-during-government-shutdown

Mesa Verde National Park is preparing for big crowds that Saturday, when the moon is set to pass the sun and form a rare "ring of fire" over the place of ancient intrigue.

Source: https://gazette.com/life/for-upcoming-eclipse-this-colorado-national-park-will-offer-rare-opportunity/article_12447466-3310-11ee-94c0-9f2632df614f.html

The largest town directly in its path is Cortez, best known for being the launchpad for visitors headed to Mesa Verde National Park.

Source: https://gazette.com/news/an-eclipse-is-just-days-away-and-yes-it-will-be-seen-in-colorado/article_cc29d1ff-88af-546e-b146-cd3ab49b8a98.html

The USS Mesa Verde, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock vessel, arrived in Dublin Port early on Friday morning after carrying out training exercises with the Irish Naval patrol vessel the Samuel Beckett.

Source: https://www.irishcentral.com/news/uss-mesa-verde-dublin

While the geology may not be as spectacular as the other National Parks in Colorado—or the Colorado National Monument, for that matter—the opportunity to learn about the early history of humans in our region makes a visit to Mesa Verde well worthwhile.

Source: https://www.eptrail.com/2023/01/19/ancient-paradise/