Mesa Verde National Park hosts a holiday open house Thursday at Chapin Mesa from 4 to 9 p.m.
Luminarias will glow across the National Historic Landmark District and along the trail to Spruce Tree House, but flashlights are encouraged for self-guided tours. Extremely cold weather is also expected, and Rangers caution guests to dress warmly.
The forecast for Thursday calls for a 20 percent chance of snow with a high of 25 degrees and a low of 5 degrees.
In addition to shelter, enjoy musical entertainment inside the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum till 9 p.m. No park admission is charged starting at 4 p.m., and refreshments are available at the Spruce Tree Terrace.
Scheduled musical entertainment includes the Fort Lewis College Bala Sinem Choir, a traditional Native American drum and chant; Fort Lewis College Jazz Trio; Meadowlark, contemporary folk rock; and The Four Corners Community Band.
The event also includes in-store specials at the non-profit Mesa Verde Museum Association Museum bookstore featuring books, posters, puppets, historic photographs and other great holiday gifts. Proceeds benefit Mesa Verde National Park.
Ranger-guided tours of Spruce Tree House, the third largest cliff dwelling in the park, are presented earlier in the day at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
For further information, call 970-529-4465.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com
