Denver-Moab-Mesa Verde-Colorado Springs

I realize that I'm late to this thread, but in the Mesa Verde area, don't miss the outstanding Anasazi Museum near Dolores. In fact, I recommend that visitors spend a few hours there BEFORE going to Mess Verde NP because you will have a much better understanding of Anasazi archeology and artifacts than you get at the museum in Mesa Verde.

For route and campground suggestions, take a look at the "US 160 west of Pagosa Springs" section of my blog at https://2fanrgs.blogspot.com.