Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Best Time to Visit: May through October. This is when you’ll find moderate temperatures. If you want to avoid crowds, May and September through October should see the least amount of crowds.

For seniors looking to explore one of our country’s most iconic National Parks, Mesa Verde is the perfect trip. This unique park is home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings on the planet, and it even offers a variety of attractions and activities that are perfect for retirees.

First, explore the Cliff Palace, one of the largest and most famous cliff dwellings in the National Park. Then, take a hike on one of the area’s many trails for incredible views of the surrounding terrain.

In the evenings, you can enjoy a traditional Native American meal at the Farview Lodge. Then, finish with a sunset hike to Soapstone Prairie Natural Area for astonishing views of the stars.

And if you have the time, take a guided tour of Balcony House, which is another intriguing cliff dwelling. You can also take a leisurely stroll through Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, where you’ll learn more about the history and culture of the park.

And Spruce Tree House is another great stop with an impressive cliff dwelling that’s worth exploring.