Nordenskiold Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

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.

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