Wapiti Rim Ranch

22/02/2024

Whether our guests are exploring the Four Corners or staying in, we have books, guides, maps and games to help with both.

09/02/2024

Spotted Towhee

04/02/2024

Wild atmospheric activity today over Mesa Verde National Park.

15/12/2023

After the recent snowfall, Purgatory Resort has seen 12 inches of fresh powder in the past 24 hours with nine inches falling overnight and resort officials are gearing up for a snowy holiday season. P...

13/12/2023

08/12/2023

08/12/2023

Great place to visit when spending a day in Cortez.

Humans have occupied the area within the Hawkins Preserve for over 10,000 years including archaic period hunters and gatherers, Ancestral Puebloans, and anglo pioneers that settled Cortez. The 120-acre nature and cultural preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk and the trails make for lovely walks all year-round. For starters, try the Slickrock Trail which transitions to the Rim Route. Along these short trails you’ll wind through many habitats including sagebrush, Piñon and juniper forests, and sandstone outcrops dotted with potholes. Eventually, you’ll pop out on the canyon rim overlooking McElmo Creek where you can take in views of Mesa Verde and the La Plata Mountains. On the way back to the trailhead, look for the large roof that protects the Hawkins Pueblo and head over to check out the archaeological site. Ancestral Puebloans constructed a village here over a thousand years ago.

Winter is the best time to see evidence of the preserve’s permanent residents. Quiet human visitors may encounter rabbits, coyotes, deer as well as raptors. Enjoy exploring the Hawkins Preserve on your next trip through Mesa Verde Country!

Story / Photo Credit: Mimi Mather

07/12/2023

As December has begun, skiers and snowboarders have been happy to see both Purgatory and Telluride Resorts increasing the number of trails open. At Purgatory, nearly a foot of snow has fallen, includi...

06/12/2023

We’ve enjoyed watching this Harrier hunting our fields the last several days.

27/11/2023

Thanks to Friday’s snowfall and additional powder expected in the coming days, Purgatory Resort opened new terrain for skiing enthusiasts. The resort’s Demon Trail opened on Friday afternoon “for top-...

23/11/2023

Consider staying in our cottage during your visit to MVNP.

Mesa Verde National Park In Colorado, USA

20/10/2023

Autumn gold.

14/10/2023

Solar eclipse 2024

20/09/2023

On October 14, 2023, Mesa Verde National Park will experience a direct annular eclipse covering the park. Starting around 10:31 am, areas of the park will experience over three minutes of "annularity", the period where the sunlight is blocked to its largest extent (nearly 90% of the sun)! Read below for more details and event planning, including partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Unlike a total eclipse, an annular eclipse is NEVER safe to view without special filters to protect your eyes (and your camera!) from the sun. Eclipse glasses will be available for free at the Visitor and Research Center, Park Entrance Station, and event locations below during park events on the day of the eclipse for as long as supplies last.

Eclipse viewing events will be held at the Morefield Campground Amphitheater, at the Far View Parking Lot and at the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum. NASA scientists and NPS rangers will be providing information and education about the eclipse at all three locations.

Due to staffing, safety, and logistical concerns, morning tours of cliff dwellings will NOT be offered for the day. There is no location in the park where you can see the eclipse from within a cliff dwelling, but many locations near mesa top sites and overlooks. We are anticipating large crowds to visit the park for this event, so please give yourself plenty of time to drive to preferred viewing areas, be flexible with planning, and be patient with other visitors and staff.

For a full list of events and travel recommendations, look on our website's eclipse page here: https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/eclipse.htm

Artist: Tyler Nordgren
Website: https://www.tylernordgren.com/

10/09/2023

Resident 🪰 and 🦟 control. 🕸️🕷️😁

08/09/2023

While the ban has been lifted it is still imperative to follow safe fire practices. Our patio fire pit always has screens for sparks and embers and a fire extinguisher or water hose is within easy reach.

The fire ban is no longer in effect as of tomorrow, September 6 at 6am.

02/09/2023

Read Southwest Colorado Hunting & Fishing Guide 2023 by Ballantine Communications on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on our platfo...

21/08/2023

FYI - this will be happening in our area of Hwy 184

From CDOT-

― Highway Maintenance Alert ―
CDOT to chip seal CO 184 August 21-31
Expect delays between Mancos and Dolores

Montezuma County — Beginning August 21, the Colorado Department of Transportation will chip seal various segments of CO Highway 184, Mile Points 13-24. Operations will take place over the next two weeks beginning approximately three miles north of Mancos and continuing north towards Dolores. Motorists traveling between Mancos and Dolores should allow themselves additional travel time and anticipate up to 30-minute delays, Monday through Thursday.

Crews will attempt to keep traffic flowing through the work zone however, access in and out of intersections may be restricted at times. Please note that resurfacing operations are weather permitting.

06/08/2023

Spectacular stargazing tonight at Wapiti Rim Ranch Mancos Colorado

05/08/2023

27/07/2023

Summer evening on Wapiti Rim Ranch. Mancos, CO.

27/07/2023

Summer evening on Wapiti Rim Ranch. Mancos, CO.