What Life was like in Mesa Verde in the Fall — Harvest Season for the Ancestral Puebloans
Mesa Verde in fall was arguably the happiest time of the year for the Ancestral Puebloans. It was a season of hustle to reap the rewards of their spring and summer labors. If all went well, it brought a bountiful harvest, mild temperatures, and fields turning the colors of flames. For visitors in this day and age, fall offers ideal conditions to connect with the Puebloans’ venerable culture.
The Reaping of Rewards
Farm to Dwelling
Tassels and bean shucks, discovered amidst the ancient ruins of Mesa Verde in the 19th century, revealed the Ancestral Puebloans as skilled farmers. As Gutenberg observed, agricultural relics were strewn liberally throughout the cliff dwellings, hinting at a hasty departure. Though the reasons for this abrupt exodus remain a mystery for archaeologists, the evidence of their agricultural aptitude is irrefutable.
Squash, corn, and beans — oh my! The Puebloans meticulously planted these staple crops across the mesa tops beginning in spring. Their livelihoods hinged on the capriciousness of the sun, rain, and soil.
So while nature was left to take care of what was sown, the farmers were left to guard their fields from hungry crows, ravens, and deer. Even through the night, they burned bright fires in the fields as guardians took turns protecting the crops.
When autumn arrived, the Puebloans rejoiced. But there was little time to celebrate with so much still to do. From dawn to dusk, carriers hustled down the trails to strip the fields bare, while gatherers collected yucca pods, cactus fruits, and berries.
They added these wild products to the piles of glossy squashes and plump bean pods atop Cliff Palace’s terraced houses. In the central chamber, long strings of corn ears hung like festive garlands. Pinon nuts ground into a rich butter and spread across cornbread were a prized commodity.
Game On
As soon as the fall harvest was over, the deer and bighorn sheep descended from the higher country where they had spent the summer. Anticipating their arrival, the Puebloans formed hunting groups and began ceremonial preparations.
Prayer sticks were made and prayers were shared. Each hunter carried a tiny stone image of an animal, such as the mountain lion, an adept predator. The night before a hunt began, they held ceremonies in kivas, subterranean chambers. If a hunter were to neglect the ceremonies, it could be worse than forgetting their weapon.
Small hunting parties, familiar with the game trails and waterholes, stalked animals using bows and arrows. Deer used for ceremonial purposes were chased down and choked to death, since their skins could not be pierced by arrows. Evidence of this hunting method is supported by the discovery of strong yucca-fiber snares designed for large animals, strategically hung across game trails.
Larger hunting groups employed two tactics: driving game towards a high point between canyons or encircling and cornering their prey. By forming a long line across the mesa, hunters forced animals towards the edge, where impassable cliffs prevented any escape. The looming winter intensified the pressure to succeed.
Cozying Up
With freshly hunted meat supplementing their vegetables and legumes, the Puebloans turned their focus to winter preparations. The Ancient Ones stored their ingredients in nearly perfect, circular dwellings designed for both comfort and efficiency.
Deep within the dwellings, long, narrow fissures housed a dozen spacious storage chambers. Each room was carefully sealed against rodents and lined with corn husks to safeguard the grain from moisture. Once filled, the chambers were tightly closed.
When the fall harvest concluded, the accumulated products formed a substantial reserve, sufficient for two or three years should subsequent crops fail. This foresight was crucial, as drought could persist for multiple seasons.
Refuges, Hides, and Feathers
By orienting their homes to face south, they maximized the natural direction of sunlight during the winter months. They innovated features within their dwellings, such as molded benches and raised fire pits, creating inviting communal spaces.
The kiva in particular offered warmth, spiritual connection, and a welcomed refuge from the elements. To endure the cold, they crafted clothing from hides and feathers. The turkey was particularly valuable, providing not only meat but also feathers for weaving and bones for tools, per NPS History.
Visiting Mesa Verde in Fall
Visitors can cherish fall in Mesa Verde as the Ancestral Puebloans once did. The waning monsoon season, breathtaking night skies, and Gambel oak turning scarlet were hallmarks of their favorite season.
How to Visit Mesa Verde
First, book online for Park Ranger tours, such as Balcony House, Square Tower House, and Cliff Palace, at Recreation.gov. Start your visit at the Mesa Verde Visitor Center for general park information. Gain insights into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans at the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum before exploring this ancient world. Just behind the museum awaits the impressive Spruce Tree House. In 2015, the site was closed due to rock fall concerns; however, visitors can still appreciate the dwelling from a distance.
Afterwards, spend the afternoon driving the Cliff Palace Loop Road, followed by the Mesa Top Loop Road. For exploring the cliff dwellings, wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for some climbs on uneven, rocky surfaces. Binoculars are also an invaluable accessory for scanning Mesa Verde’s expansive canyons. With a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of wild horses roaming the shrubland below.
Join a Mesa Verde Tour
Prefer soaking up the scenery to driving yourself around? Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours offers guided visits to Mesa Verde, departing from Durango or Mancos.
The Full-Day Mesa Verde Discovery Tour includes a yummy deli-style lunch, refreshments, and admission to Cliff Palace with a Park Ranger. The half-day tour (with departure only from Mancos) caters to those with time-constraints while still visiting the best sites in the park.
If you’ve got the time, the full day tour is well worth it. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and share fascinating insights into Puebloan life you wouldn’t learn otherwise, from plant use to theories about the Puebloans’ departure. Plus, the ranger guided tour into Cliff Palace provides unique perspectives on Mesa Verde’s revered history and preservation, all while experiencing this world renowned site just like its ancient owners did 800 years ago.
Celebrate Fall Like the Ancient Ones
As you explore Mesa Verde this fall, take a moment to imagine the vibrant energy that once filled the canyon walls. Experience the crisp air, warm colors, and sense of anticipation that the Puebloans must have felt during this transformative season.