Long House, Mesa Verde National Park

Smithsonian MagazineJul 10, 2025

From unexplained phenomena to baffling disappearances, follow the clues while discovering our country’s treasured protected areas

13 things in this story

Cliff PalaceSightLargest cliff dwelling complex
Long HouseSightOfficial websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Mesa Top LoopTrailOfficial websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Far View SitesSightOfficial websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Mesa Verde MuseumMuseumMuseum highlights park history
Long House LoopTrailWorthwhile excursion
Balcony HouseSight
Mug HouseSight
Elsewhere
Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor CenterSightMount Rainier National Park, United StatesPopular southern side visitor center
Westside RoadTrailMount Rainier National Park, United StatesAbandoned highway project; leads to Marine Memorial
Marine MemorialSightMount Rainier National Park, United StatesOffers views of Tahoma Glacier
Mount BaldySightIndiana Dunes National Park, United StatesSand dune where boy fell
Black Balsam RoadTrailBlue Ridge Parkway, United StatesTrailhead for bald peaks

Long House