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A pleasantly easy trail leading to the excavated dwellings at Nordenskiold Site No. 16.


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

98%

Runnable

7,192' 2,192 m

High

7,137' 2,175 m

Low

16' 5 m

Up

63' 19 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Closed October to May.

Description

The Nordenskiold Trail is a wonderful option for those looking for a low-traffic trail in Mesa Verde NP that rewards visitors with spectacular views of the Nordenskiold Site No. 16.

Nordenskiold Site No. 16 occupies the ruins of an Ancestral Puebloan dwelling built over a thousand years ago. However, long before the Ancestral Puebloans colonized the overhanging cliffs of Mesa Verde, lightening-sparked wildfires had been devastating the local landscape with shocking regularity.

Along the trail, keep your eyes peeled for the burnt remains of standing pinyon and juniper trees affected by the Pony Fire in 2000.

Due to the fire damage in this area, shade is non-existent, so be sure to bring plenty of water with you on trail.

Flora & Fauna

Scorched juniper and pinyon trees provide a sharp contrast to verdant green shrubbery along the trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 6 votes

#11424

Overall
  4.0 from 6 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#999

in Colorado

#11,424

Overall
2 Views Last Month
394 Since Oct 1, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

33%
50%
17%
0%
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0%

Photos

The trail wanders through a burned area by the Pony Fire in 2000. The area is slowly recovering.
Jul 12, 2021 near Towaoc, CO
Nordenskiold Site No.16 from the Nordenskiold Site No. 16 Overlook Trail.
Apr 15, 2016 near Towaoc, CO
Looking down the valley. Imagine having to drop down or climb up to your house in the middle of this.
Jul 12, 2021 near Towaoc, CO
A Yellow-headed collared lizard hanging out on the side of the trail.
Jul 12, 2021 near Towaoc, CO
The dead tree standing still
Oct 1, 2015 near Towaoc, CO
Sandstone boulder at the Nordenskiold Trail overlook.
Jun 8, 2016 near Towaoc, CO

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