Sun Point View — Attraction in Cortez

A great viewing point, looking out to multiple cliff dwelling villages, over the canyon, in the Mesa Verde national park. These dwellings used to be bustling communities. Over 30 cliff dwellings occupy these canyon alcoves and ledges.

The two information panels read:

"Years of Change

Children born in one of these cliff dwellings in 1225 CE experienced many changes in their lifetime. Over the course of roughly 75 years, they and their families witnessed the migration from mesa top villages into alcove communities; a significant peak in the area's population; and then the final exodus from the entire Four Corners region.

By the end of the 13th century, these canyons were quiet again-filled with remnants of once thriving communities and a host of unanswered questions.

岁月变迁

公元1225年,出生在这些悬崖住所的孩子们,一生经历了诸多变迁.在大约75年的时间里,他们和家人见证了从台地顶部村庄迁入凹室社区的进程;见证了该地区人口的显著增长;以及最终从整个四角地区迁徙而来的人们.

到了13世纪末,这些峡谷再次恢复了宁静——充满了曾经繁荣的社区的遗迹,以及一系列未解之谜."

... and

"Years of Activity

The move to the alcoves began around 1200 CE and by mid-century, there were more than 30 cliff dwellings in the Cliff and Fewkes Canyon neighborhood. Several are visible from here. Imagine these canyons filled with the sights and sounds of a bustling neighborhood-smoke from cook fires, children playing, men working in their mesa top fields, people going about their day. Well-travelled paths wound through cliffs and forests from one village to another. Ties of families, friendships, shared celebrations, and ceremonies brought neighbors together in this vibrant...

This spot offers the best view of the major cliff dwellings in the park. From here, you can see around 15 ruins by our count. Some of the ruins are not on the map, and there is just a wall left.

If you have a good camera zoom, check out each cliff edge, and you can...

This is an amazing part of Colorado history. The technical and engineering skills used in these 1500+ year old structures is awesome. If you're in the area, this is well worth the effort to...