The cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park are in Colorado but, as most people don't realize, the place isn't exactly close for a day trip from Denver. It takes about seven hours one way to pull in to Cortez, Colorado, the nearest major town, so it's hardly easy for a weekend getaway either. So, when such an opportunity isn't available, it's possible just to head down to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings instead.

The cliff dwellings were built and opened in 1906 for the benefit of tourist...