Epic Guide to Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado protects and preserves the cultural heritage of 26 tribes of Ancestral Pueblo people.

Mesa Verde National Park

Contents

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park’s history begins long before its official creation in 1906, or even the erection of its most famous cliff dwellings.

This national park boasts thousands of years of history that have been well preserved in the region’s arid climate.

Guided tours can lead visitors on paths carved by Ancestral Puebloans into immaculately preserved cliff dwellings.

About Mesa Verde National Park

Home to ancient ruins of a lost civilization of the Pueblo people, Mesa Verde National Park occupies over 80 square miles of Montezuma County.

The park was established in 1906, and ever since visitors have flocked to the park to view its most famous landmark, Cliff Palace. Aside from the cliff dwellings and ruins, there are wonderful hiking trails and campgrounds.

Established on June 29, 1906, the 52,074-acre (21,074-hectare) park is located some 34 miles (55 kilometers) west of the city of Durango in southwestern Colorado.

It is noted for the multi-storied cliff dwellings of the ancestral Puebloans (who were once called the Anasazi people) that date from the 6th to the 12th centuries.

The largest and most famous of these dwellings is the Cliff Palace, which has 150 rooms and 23 sacred underground chambers in which religious rituals took place.

The complex structure is said to have held some 100 people. Considered the most popular archaeological site in the United States, Mesa Verde National Park was designated a World Heritage site in 1978.

The Mesa Verde cliff dwellings are the largest and most well-preserved cliff dwellings in the world. Visit to catch a glimpse of the life of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Navajo Overlook, Mesa Verde NP

Is Mesa Verde National Park worth visiting?

Yes! Mesa Verde National Park is a bucket list National Park to visit. Standing at an overlook looking down in awe at the cliff dwellings is one of those travel moments you never forget.

History of Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, is home to the largest cliff-dwelling complex in the United States.

Over 600 cliff-side structures fill the park along with 1000s of other archeological sites. Mesa Verde became a national park in 1906 thanks in part to Theodore Roosevelt and is visited by more than a half-million people each year.

Geology of Mesa Verde National Park

The incredible engineering of the Ancestral Puebloans is possible because of the Colorado Plateau’s unique geology. Ancient inland seas helped to create layers and layers of sandstone and shale.

The uplift caused by the formation of the San Juan and Rocky Mountains exposed these layers to the elements.

Water, wind, and rain eroded the softer shale leaving behind mesas with thousands of sandstone alcoves. A few of these formations would be large enough to shelter entire villages. The sandstone deposits were also the primary building material of the Ancestral Puebloan engineers.

The mesas were topped with a thin layer of soil that supported animal life, a smattering of trees, and later small-scale farming. Among the mesa tops and alcoves, there are small springs and seeps. The park’s eastern border is the Mancos River, the only river in the area.

Native American Development of Mesa Verde National Park

Ancestral Puebloan groups migrated to the area as early as 1500 BCE. These early inhabitants are famous for their basket-weaving skills.

Many colorful, intricately woven baskets attributed to the Ancestral Puebloans have been discovered across the southwest United States. The basketry became more sophisticated over time until eventually gave way to fired pottery.

With the adoption of pottery and new hunting technology, the bow, and arrow, Ancestral Puebloans were able to store food and hunt more efficiently.

Food security promoted population growth and specialization in architecture. This advancement in engineering led to the sandstone cliff-side dwellings which dot Mesa Verde National Park.

These dwellings were constructed from 1100 CE-1300 CE. By 1300 CE most Ancestral Puebloans had left Mesa Verde. Through the study of tree rings, scientists theorize that the depopulation of the park was the result of an extended drought during the late 1200s.

Americans Encounter Mesa Verde National Park

The first reliable sighting of Mesa Verde by non-indigenous people was not until the mid-19th century. After the conclusion of the Mexican American War (1846-1848), the United States gained control of vast new territories across the southwest. Geological survey teams were quickly dispatched to explore and map these newly acquired areas.

The name “Mesa Verde” was first mentioned in government reports by J.S. Newbery in 1859. Newberry remarked on the beauty of the geologic formations but made no mention of the famous cliff dwellings.

Following the Civil War, more thorough surveys of Mesa Verde were carried out. Famous photographs by W. H. Jackson revealed to the U.S. public for the first time the incredible architecture tucked away in the alcoves of the arid San Juan Mountains.

Mesa Verde Becomes a National Park

H. Jackson was directed to the cliff dwellings by miners already working along the Mancos River. Over the course of the late 1800s, more miners and ranchers arrived in southwestern Colorado. Chasing cattle and gold seams, these new arrivals stumbled upon hundreds of cliff dwellings.

Fueled by photographs and discoveries of jaw-dropping sites such as Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House, Coloradans pushed for national park recognition similar to Yellowstone and Yosemite.

Early attempts to create the park stalled in Congress in 1901 and 1902. Complicating the issue of creating the park, much of the area that today comprises Mesa Verde National Park was part of Ute Mountain Reservation.

In 1906 the United States Congress approved the creation of Mesa Verde National Park while also reaching an agreement to acquire land from the Ute Tribe.

Since becoming a national park, numerous archeological digs have taken place revealing the long history of Ancestral Puebloans in the region. Prior to the construction of the cliff dwellings in the 12th and 13th centuries, pit houses and kivas were created on top of the mesa.

When visiting the park today, the Mesa Top Loop Road takes visitors near these ancient sites and provides scenic viewing areas for the spectacular cliff dwellings.

Things to know before your visit to Mesa Verde National Park

Entrance fee

A 7-day single-vehicle park pass

January 2 - April 30 - $20
May 1 - October 31 - $30
November 1 - December 31 - $20

A 7-day individual park pass

January 2 - April 30 - $10
May 1 - October 31 - $15
November 1 - December 31 - $10

A 7-day motorcycle park pass

January 2 - April 30 - $15
May 1 - October 31 - $25
November 1 - December 31 - $15

Annual Park Pass - $55
Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder.

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on REI.com and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

Free Entrance Days -Find the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

Time Zone

MST - Mountain Standard Time

Pets

Pets are not allowed on trails, in archeological sites, or in buildings (service animals, excepted).

Pets may be walked along paved roads, in parking lots, and at the campground.

Pets must be leashed at all times when outside a vehicle.

Cell Service

Cell phone coverage is limited within the park. We had coverage at the top of the mountain area but not very many other places within the park.

Park Hours

The park entrance and main road are open 24 hours.

Visitor Services hours depend on the time of year.

Wi-Fi

There is free Wi-Fi at the visitor center.

Insect Repellent

Insect repellent is always a great idea when outdoors, especially if you are around any body of water.

We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips.

Water Bottle

Make sure to bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

Large Vehicles/Towed Vehicles

Trailers and towed vehicles are not permitted beyond Morefield Campground. If not camping, you may park these vehicles in the large parking lot located near the entrance station.

Tunnel (between mileposts 4 and 5) - The tunnel has a height restriction of 20.5 feet (6.25 m).

The Wetherill Mesa Road has sharp curves and steep grades on the twelve-mile stretch from the Far View area to Wetherill Mesa. Vehicles on this road are restricted to less than 8,000 pounds and 25-feet in length.

Food/Restaurants

If you don't plan on visiting the park's restaurants and store we highly suggest picking up snacks and food before heading to the park.

It is a long drive back to a grocery store once you are in the park.

Spruce Tree Terrace Café

This restaurant is located near the park headquarters and Chapin Mesa Museum They offer indoor and patio seating.

Far View Terrace Café

This restaurant features a food-court setting with a casual environment.

They offer a breakfast buffet and standard breakfast, lunch specials, an espresso bar, and grab & go options.

Metate Room

Located in the Far View Lodge this restaurant offers a fine dining experience.

They focus on wild game, fresh fish, and fresh local organic produce.

Far View Lounge

The Far View Lounge offers pub fare, appetizers, and snacks along with a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine.

Knife Edge Café

Located in the Morefield Campground the café offers outdoor patio seating. They serve breakfast foods and pancakes.

Morefield Campground Store

The Morefield Campground Store offers snacks, food, and beverages

Gas

Gas is available at Morefield Campground village.

Drones

Drones are not allowed to be flown within the National Park site.

Looking into the Sun Temple, Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park Passport Stamps

National Park Passport stamps can be found in the visitor center.

Make sure to bring your National Park Passport Book with you.

Mesa Verde NP is part of the 1996 Passport Stamp Set.

We like to bring these 1.5-inch circle stickers with us to the park so we don't have to carry our entire Passport Book with us.

Electric Vehicle Charging

There is an EV Charging station located in the Morefield Campground.

Farview Lodge also has a Tesla Connector.

The nearby city of Cortez, Colorado also has EV charging stations.

Sun Point Pueblo, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Details about Mesa Verde National Park

Size - 52,485 acre

Mesa Verde NP is currently ranked at 49 out of 63 National Parks by Size.

Date Established

On June 29, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt established Mesa Verde National Park to "preserve the works of man".

This was the first National Park of its kind.

Visitation

In 2021, Mesa Verde NP had 548,477 visitors

In 2020, Mesa Verde NP had 287,477 park visitors.

In 2019, Mesa Verde NP had 556,203 park visitors.

Learn more about the most visited and least visited National Parks in the US

Mesa Verde National Park Address

Mile .7 Headquarters Loop Road
Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330

Mesa Verde National Park Map

Where is Mesa Verde National Park?

Mesa Verde National Park is located in Southwestern Colorado about 200 miles southwest of Denver and approximately 250 miles northwest of Albuquerque.

The Park entrance is along Highway 160 between the towns of Mancos and Cortez, Colorado, and about 35 miles west of Durango, Colorado.

In order to reach the first cliff dwellings, you must drive 21 miles up a windy mountain road. This takes approximately 45 minutes on a good day. If you get car sick plan on stopping a few times along the way.

Estimated distance from major cities nearby

Durango, CO - 35 miles

Albuquerque, NM - 246 miles

Colorado Springs, CO - 341 miles

Denver, CO - 371 miles

Phoenix, AZ - 419 miles

Estimated Distance from nearby National Park

Arches National Park - 130 miles

Canyonlands National Park-Needles District - 100 miles

Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky District - 157 miles

Great Sand Dunes National Park - 220 miles

Grand Canyon National Park - 255 miles

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - 175 miles

Petrified Forest National Park - 214 miles

White Sands National Park - 468 miles

Where is the National Park Visitor Center?

The Mesa Verde National Park visitor center is the first thing you come to when heading into the park.

The visitor center has a gift store, bathrooms, interpretive exhibits, and free Wi-Fi! This is a great place to start your visit to Mesa Verde.

We found the staff to be extremely helpful! They helped us map out our time in the park and maximize what we were able to see while there.

Getting to Mesa Verde National Park

Closest Airports

Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ) - 28 miles

Durango La Plata County Airport (DRO) - 62 miles

Four Corners Regional Airport (FMN) - 93 miles

Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) - 123 miles

International Airports

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) - 262 miles

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) - 376 miles

Las Vegas McCarren International Airport (LAS) - 377 miles

Denver International Airport (DEN) - 407 miles

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) - 437 miles

El Paso International Airport (ELP) - 534 miles

Driving Directions

The park entrance is along Highway 160, between the towns of Cortez and Mancos, Colorado.

Once you enter the park, the first view of a cliff dwelling is 21 miles (approximately 45 minutes) along with a steep, narrow, and winding road.

Best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park

Late Spring and early fall is the perfect time to visit Mesa Verde National Park. You want to arrive after the snow is gone yet before the temperatures soar well into the 90's.

You will want to get out and explore as the cliff dwellings are incredible! This will also afford you the opportunity to take a cliff-dwelling tour.

Mesa Verde National Park Weather and Seasons

Spring

Snowstorms can occur as late as May. The average spring temperature range is 40 degrees to 70 degrees F.

Summer

During the summer temperatures can reach well into the 90s.

Thunderstorms are common during July and August.

Autumn/Fall

During the Fall temperatures drop down to 50 to 75 degrees F.

Snowstorms start in October.

Winter

Winter temps drop into the teens to low 30s. The roads can be icy.

Visitors will want to be prepared with snow tires, all-wheel drive, or chains.

Square Tower House, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Best Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park

There are a ton of things to do in Mesa Verde NP. Everything from cliff dwelling tours to auto touring.

The nice thing about Mesa Verde is you can truly decide what kind of adventure you want to have.

Cliff Dwelling Tours

Tours are offered from May through October. Tickets are required and available 14 days ahead of time.

Most cliff dwellings can only be entered when on a ranger-guided tour. The only cliff dwelling that can be visited without a tour is Step House located on Wetherill Mesa.

Tour tickets can be purchased only on recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

Ranger-guided tours are offered to Long House and Cliff Palace.

Backcountry tours are offered to Balcony House, Mug House, Square Tower House, and Spring House.

If you plan on taking a backcountry tour make sure to read the description of what the tour includes!

Cliff Palace Loop Road

Cliff Palace Loop Road is a must-visit! The 6-mile drive guides you past amazing cliff dwellings.

Mesa Top Loop Road

Mesa Top Loop Road is a 6-mile self-driving auto tour through 700 years of Ancestral Pueblo history.

Make sure to pick up the park brochure at the beginning of the road that explains each stop along the road.

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Visitors can view the dwelling from the Cliff Palace Overlook on the Cliff Palace Loop also from the Sun Temple on the Mesa Top Loop.

Wetherill Mesa

Wetherill Mesa is open from May to October depending on the weather.

In this part of the park, you can check out Step House, Long House Loop, Badger House Community, and Nordenskiöld Site #16 Trail.

Wildlife viewing

You are almost guaranteed to see at least one mule deer during your visit to the park.

You may also see turkeys along the side of the road.

Black bears are occasionally seen within the park. Other wildlife includes coyote, gray fox, mountain lion, elk, marmot, and porcupines.

If you see horses they have crossed the boundary from the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation and are enjoying a free meal in the park.

Junior Ranger Program

The Junior Ranger program is a great way for visitors of all ages to learn more about the park.

Junior Ranger programs can be picked up at the visitor center.

International Dark Sky Park

Mesa Verde was certified as the 100th International Dark Sky Park in 2021.

The archeological sites, trails, and backcountry are closed at night to protect resources.

There are multiple overlooks along the park road including Geologic Overlook, Mancos Overlook, and Montezuma Valley Overlook open with space to park and view the night sky.

Bird Watching

There are multiple distinct bird habitats within the park.

Birds species include Turkey vultures, towhees, grouse, hawks, Great Blue Heron, Western and Mountain Bluebirds, red-winged and Brewer's Blackbirds, Bald and Golden Eagles, and more.

Seasonally you may see migrating birds including waxwings, evening grosbeaks, flycatchers, goldfinches, ruby and golden-crowned kinglet, and swallows.

Hiking in Mesa Verde National Park

Always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival when exploring.

There are 30 miles of hiking trails within the park.

Morefield Canyon Trails

Knife Edge Trail

Distance - 2 miles roundtrip

Difficulty - Easy

Trailhead - Morefield Campground

The Knife Edge trail departs from the campground on a level trail. The trail goes through a section of the historic park road that was built in 1914.

Point Lookout Trail

Distance - 2.2 miles roundtrip

Difficulty - Moderate

Trailhead - Morefield Campground

The Point Lookout Trail departs from the campground and heads up steep switchbacks to the top of Point Lookout.

Prater Ridge Trail

Distance - 7.8 miles roundtrip

Difficulty - Strenuous

Trailhead - Morefield Campground

The Prater Ridge Trail leaves from the campground and climbs 1.1 miles to the top of Prater Ridge.

Chapin Mesa

Farming Terrace trail

Distance -.5 miles roundtrip

Difficulty - Easy

Trailhead - Cedar Tree Tower Road

This easy trail drops into Soda Canyon and passes a series of dams built by Ancestral Pueblo Farmers.

Petroglyph Point Trail

Distance - 2.4 miles roundtrip

Difficulty - Strenuous

Trailhead - Spruce Tree House Overlook near the Chapin Mesa Museum.

The Petroglyph Point Trail is an adventurous trail with steep drop-offs. The trail traverses the side of Spruce Canyon and descends narrow rock staircases to reach a large petroglyph panel.

There is a 100-foot cliff that hikers must scramble up to the mesa top.

Spruce Canyon Trail

Distance - 2.4 miles roundtrip

Difficulty - Strenuous

Trailhead - Spruce Tree House Overlook near Chapin Mesa Museum

The Spruce Canyon Trail starts down switchbacks and through Spruce Canyon. The hike has a steep climb out of the canyon.

Wetherill Mesa

Step House

Distance - 1-mile roundtrip

Difficulty - Moderate

Trailhead - Wetherill Mesa Kiosk

The Step House trail is only open when a ranger is there. The trail loops into Long Canyon and through the Step House.

Nordenskiold Site No. 16 Trail

Distance - 2 miles roundtrip

Difficulty - Moderate

Trailhead - Wetherill Mesa Kiosk

Nordenskiold Site No. 16 Trail leads to an overlook of a cliff dwelling in Rock Canyon.

Long House Loop Trail

Distance - 5 miles roundtrip

Difficulty - Moderate

Trailhead - Wetherill Mesa Kiosk

The Long House Loop trail is paved and follows along the top of Wetherill Mesa to the Badger House Community, Long House Overlook, and Kodak House Overlook.

How to beat the crowds in Mesa Verde National Park?

We suggest heading into the park early in the morning. We left the lodge really early in the morning and saw only a couple of other cars while we explored the overlooks and viewpoints.

Where to stay when visiting Mesa Verde National Park

The Fair View Lodge is located within Mesa Verde NP. Book on Expedia

The lodge is located 15 miles from the park entrance and provides an amazing opportunity to wake up in the park.

Lodging near the park includes:

Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez - Take advantage of free continental breakfast, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a gym at Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez. In addition to a business center, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez - free full breakfast, golfing on site, and dry cleaning/laundry services at Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez, an IHG Hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The onsite restaurant, Destination Grill, features happy hour. In addition to a bar and a business center, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Baymont by Wyndham Cortez - free continental breakfast, 18 holes of golf, and laundry facilities. Get out on the links at this hotel and enjoy amenities such as golf lessons and golf caddies. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna. In addition to a gym and a 24-hour business center, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Retro Inn at Mesa Verde - free continental breakfast, a terrace, and a garden. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez - free to-go breakfast, laundry facilities, and a business center. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a restaurant.

Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites - free full breakfast, free airport pick-up, and a garden. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room WIFI is available to all guests, along with laundry facilities and a business center.

Click on the map below for additional hotels and vacation rentals near Mesa Verde NP including the Far View Lodge!

Site 2, Morefield Campground, Mesa Verde NP

Mesa Verde National Park Camping

Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado offers the opportunity to camp within the park and be close to the main park road to the ruins.

This front country campground has a great RV loop with full hookups.

Located 4 miles inside the park the campground offers 267 sites including 15 full hookup RV sites (these require reservations).

There is a full-service village at the campground that offers a gas station, RV dump station, coin-operated laundry, a gift shop, grocery store, and best of all...Complimentary Showers!!!!

For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando

Travel Tips

I say this every time we talk about National Park Travel Tips so this is probably not a surprise but...when you see a bathroom use it. Bathrooms can be spread out in the park so if there is a chance you will need one make sure and stop.

Side roads and overlooks in the park close at sunset. Give yourself enough time to drive the 21 miles back out of the park.

The visitor center is fantastic! They have individual brochures on different cliff dwellings and things to see within the park. Well worth making time for a visit.

If you plan on taking a cliff-dwelling tour make sure you have on sturdy shoes and are prepared to climb ladders depending on the tour you are on.

Bring snacks and water with you!

Layers are your friend! It can get windy on the top looking over at the cliff dwellings.

If you have any fears of tight spaces, cliffs, ladders, heights, or anything along those lines you may want to watch these videos to help you choose which tour is right for you.

I highly suggest checking this page for current conditions within the park before your visit. This will let you know if there are any areas that are currently closed, inclement weather, and road conditions.

Be prepared to drive at least 50 miles while within the park. Make sure you have more than enough gas. You never know when a deer jam or other animal sighting will happen and you will be stuck in traffic.