Living History Surrounding Mesa Verde National Park
See incredible archaeological sites beyond Mesa Verde, sip local wines and learn about Native American culture in southwestern Colorado
Author
Mikaela Ruland
Mikaela is the associate content director for National Park Trips. She lives in her beautiful home state of Colorado with her husband and loves writing about the outdoors, travel and the environment. Her passion is to introduce people to the outdoors so that they fall in love and help protect the wild places she loves to play in.
She spends most of her free time outside hiking, skiing, mountain biking, doing yoga – you name it. When she’s not outside, you can find her researching cheap flights, exploring hipster coffee shops or on the hunt for Denver’s best mac n’ cheese. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @themillennialoutside.
Rocky Mountain National Park is Mikaela’s home park and she spends summer and winter mornings alike exploring its trails. She even hiked to Dream Lake to get her engagement photos taken in a dress. Don’t worry, she was wearing hiking boots.
My Stories
Singletrack, World-Famous Pizza and a Headless Chicken in Fruita
Why to visit this small town on the edge of Colorado National Monument.
Best 2-Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
Explore the best Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer from hiking to scenic drives to horseback riding on this epic itinerary.
Extreme Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park
Summit a 14,000-foot peak, bike Trail Ridge Road or tackle a snowy trail in this iconic mountain park.
10 Things to do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Here are ways to experience the canyon from the top at the rims to the river at the bottom.
Hike the Emerald Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
This stunning hike will take you past three picturesque alpine lakes: Nymph, Dream and Emerald.
Camp Cooking Fails and How to Do It Right
Learn to cook like a pro and avoid common mistakes when you’re cooking at a campsite.
A New West in Cheyenne, Wyo.
Old West charm meets a vibrant, new cultural scene
5 RV Tips for Great Sand Dunes National Park
Once you get there, most park roads are flat and drivable in an RV.
6 RV Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park
Make the most of your RV trip to Colorado's most popular national park with these tips.
4 RV Tips for Black Canyon of the Gunnison
You’ll either need to tow a car or visit in an RV less than 22 feet in length.
5 RV Tips for Mesa Verde National Park
Learn about the Colorado Plateau’s ancient history as you drive your RV through Mesa Verde National Park.
Out of This World Adventures near Farmington
At more than a mile high in elevation, you’ll find amazing high-desert adventures around every corner in Farmington, N.M.
Camp at a Vineyard, Brewery or Working Farm with Harvest Hosts
Upgrade your next national park road trip by booking a stay with Harvest Hosts at unique local producers nationwide.
10 Things to Do in Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, is unique for its incredible history.
Community First in Durango, Colorado
Check out Mikaela Ruland's author page.
2 Days in Mesa Verde National Park
See the best of Mesa Verde in our action-packed two day itinerary.
3 Scenic Drives in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Dramatic canyon walls, incredible sunset views and a sense of solitude await.
Best Small Towns on Colorado’s Western Slope
Explore the uncrowded side of Colorado in small towns like Delta, Cedaredge, and Paonia.
Find Your Way with the COTREX App for Colorado Trails
Explore Colorado’s 45,000 miles of trails and never get lost.
Take a Journey through Time on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Ride the train for unparalleled Colorado history and views.
Fun RV and Cabin Resort Between Rocky Mountain and Great Sand Dunes
Stay in a wonderful family-friendly camping resort at Jellystone Park in Larkspur, Colorado.
Semi-Rad’s Favorite Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Get to know a park aficionado Brendan Leonard’s top hikes in Colorado’s most popular park.
2-Day Eco-Friendly Rocky Mountain National Park Vacation Itinerary
We’ve put together ideas for a two-day vacation to help you become a more sustainable traveler.
See Colorado’s National Parks in Your Electric Vehicle
Take an electric vehicle road trip to Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mesa Verde and Great Sand Dunes national parks with stops for EV charging near each park.
3 LGBTQ+ Businesses to Support near Rocky Mountain National Park
Support local LGBTQ+ business owners and managers in Estes Park, Colo., and find incredible places to stay and shop near Rocky Mountain National Park.
Where to Stay at Rocky Mountain National Park
Stunning snow-capped peaks, breathtaking alpine lakes and herds of bugling elk await in one of our country’s most popular national parks, Rocky Mountain. Plan your perfect vacation now using our tips on the best hotels, cabins and camping in and around the park.
Exit Here for Dillon and Silverthorne
Two of our favorite small towns south of Rocky Mountain National Park
More to Explore in 42 Colorado State Parks
Discover the little parks near Colorado's national parks.
Remembering Amache, a Japanese Internment Camp in Colorado
The National Park Service is considering turning a Colorado Japanese Internment Camp into a National Park Site.
Choose Your Durango Adventure
Your adventure can be as crazy or mild as you want it to be. Choose water, land, train or foodie escapades.
Best RV Campgrounds in Colorado
Visiting Colorado by RV this year? We’ve rounded up the most RV-friendly campground for the summer season in all four Colorado national parks, plus two national monuments, to help you plan an epic road trip.
2 Days in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Short on time? Make your 48 hours count with our detailed itinerary in Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado! This other-worldly park boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America.
10 Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of Colorado’s best kept secrets. Home to the highest sand dune in North America, this park is packed with amazing things to do. Check out our Top 10.
2 Days in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
With incredible sheer black cliffs, a history-filled past and abundant plants and wildlife, this park is one of Colorado’s most under-rated destinations
Discover a Mountain Paradise in Salida
Check out Mikaela Ruland's author page.
Where to Stay at Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument’s red rock canyon walls, panoramic views and endless recreation opportunities make it a must-stop on a Colorado road trip. Make the most out of your trip to Colorado’s Western Slope with our hotels and camping guide.
Where to Stay Near Dinosaur National Monument
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you visit the wild Dinosaur National Monument, which straddles the Colorado and Utah border.
Where to Stay Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Camp inside the park or find camping and lodging nearby in Montrose, Delta and Cimarron.
Where to Stay Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
Home to the tallest sand dune in North America, a seasonal beach and stunning alpine lakes, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a hidden gem in southern Colorado. Get ready for a magical vacation with our insider information on where to stay in and near the park from hotels to cabins to camping.