Mesa Verde implements changes in fires' aftermath

Mesa Verde changes schedule in fires' aftermath

Aug. 19, 2000

Mesa Verde National Park has implemented a number of schedule changes, largely because of the Bircher and Pony fires, which consumed more than 21,000 acres of the park.

The new schedule, which became effective Thursday, is as follows:

• Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Far View Visitor Center, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Cliff Palace tours (every half hour), 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Balcony House tours (every half hour), 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Spruce Tree House (self-guided), 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Tour of Far View archaeological sites, 3:30 p.m.
• Sun Temple talks, 10 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
• Roving interpretation at Park Point, 11:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
• Campfire program at Morefield Campground, 9 p.m.

Tickets for ranger-guided tours of Cliff Palace and Balcony House must be obtained from the Far View Visitor Center.

There is a $1.75 charge per person for the tours.

As part of a six-part lecture series entitled, "Native Americans 2000: Prophesies Based on Age-old Traditions," Harry Walters, a Navajo historian and lecturer on Navajo culture, will speak on Friday, Aug. 18, in the Chapin Mesa Museum Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

This series is co-sponsored by the National Park Service, Mesa Verde Museum Association, and ARAMARK.