Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906. It is one of the best known archaeological sites in the world. The park was originally inhabited by the nomadic Anasazi people who built permanent homes and then as they prospered, members of the tribe would set out to start their own little tribes in the cliffs of surrounding areas. Mesa Verde was one of the chief locations they chose. The Anasazi culture flourished for hundreds of years until around 400 or 500 years ago when the Anasazi mysteriously disappeared. They left behind some of the most spectacular buildings, some chiseled out rock walls and some clinging onto the cliffs. Besides the amazing cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde is also home to some of the most beautiful scenic areas in the Southwest.