Just got back from the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings and saw something that worries me

I was at Cliff Palace last month and noticed a lot of fresh marks on the plaster walls in the lower rooms. They look like scratches from backpack straps or camera bags, not old wear. I counted at least five new ones in just one kiva. The ranger said visitation is up 30% this year and they're short-staffed. It feels like the site is getting loved to death. Has anyone else seen damage at popular spots that wasn't there a few years ago?

3 comments

3 Comments

jennifer3581mo ago

Isn't it crazy how fast that kind of wear adds up? I'd take pictures of the specific marks with something for scale, like a coin, and email the park superintendent directly. A dated photo log from a visitor can sometimes push things up the priority list for maintenance. They might need that to get extra funding or volunteers.

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wrenk911mo ago

Ever try a local hiking group for cleanup?

willow_king28d ago

My local library had a set of wooden steps out back that got completely worn down in like two years. I mean, the middle of each step was sunken in an inch from foot traffic. They only fixed it after someone's grandma tripped and sent photos to the town council. It's wild how much damage just normal use can do.