Native American Stops In New Mexico and Colorado

Prior to colonization in North and South America, the Native Americans roamed the area. They were warriors, hunters, gatherers, and took in the natural resources the areas had to offer. Over time, their history would be found throughout various areas, including two states with New Mexico and Colorado. Over the past two years, I've had the privilege to enjoy two sights that offered unique native American history that were recommended to me by post-it notes.

The first stop is Petroglyph National Monument, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is a fascinating place with black rocks that have etchings from native Americans centuries ago. The sight is free to attend, and the memories are unforgettable. There is a visitor center that is located about eight minutes from Petroglyph. One of the most interesting etchings I found was that of a macaw. This etching illustrates that there was a trade route from South America to the Western United States as Macaws are a central and South American species. There are many other etchings of celestial, warriors, masks, and other fascinating drawings.

In the southwestern area of Colorado, there is Mesa Verde National Park. Here, you can see the dwellings, pits, and other areas of inhabitants that the Native Americans based their life around over 1000 years ago. Once you enter the park, there is a visitor center that offers plenty of information about the various dwellings and pits as well as the best way to optimize your time there. The drive throughout the park is amazing, and the stops from the views to the dwellings will not disappoint your visitor to the sights. The Far View Terrace offers a great place to get your food before traveling into the park. There is also a gift shop available that offers great souvenirs from Mesa Verde. Allow yourself at least 5 to 6 hours or more when visiting the park.

Petroglyph National Monument and Mesa Verde National Park are part of the history of New Mexico and Colorado. These are two stops that are part of the original history of native Americans in North America. Add a stop at these two spots when visiting New Mexico and Colorado. #ridingwithkurt