Explore Mesa Verde National Park with iBestTravel
Around the year 550 CE, the Ancestral Pueblo people began settling in what is today southwest Colorado. Here, on a slightly sloping section of the Colorado Plateau, they farmed, made pottery, wove baskets, and built sprawling villages within the canyon walls.
Then, around 1300 CE, they moved away and never returned. It’s unclear why they deserted the place that had been their home for roughly 700 years. However, they left behind many clues about their rich cultural heritage, which today’s archaeologists are still eagerly studying.
Recognizing the value of the Ancestral Puebloan artifacts and cliff dwellings, President Theodore Roosevelt created Mesa Verde National Park in 1906. It was the first national park dedicated to “preserving the works of man” in addition to natural resources. Today, the park protects nearly 5000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings.
Mesa Verde is one of four national parks in Colorado. Although it’s the farthest from Denver, this archaeological marvel is well worth the extra drive time. Here’s what you should know as you plan your visit.
When should I go to Mesa Verde National Park?
Mesa Verde is open all year round, though weather, crowds, and conditions vary from season to season.
Summer is the busiest season at Mesa Verde, with temperatures climbing into the 70°F and 80°F ranges. However, even during peak season, the park doesn’t feel overcrowded. During 2023, it welcomed just over 500,000 visitors, considerably less than other popular parks. Typically, around 3000 people enter the park each day during peak weeks.
Moreover, summer offers the opportunity for ranger-led tours of the cliff dwellings, which are only accessible through guided tours available between May and October.
If you visit during winter, you will likely experience a more solitary atmosphere; on certain days, only 50 people enter the park. Although cliff dwellings are off-limits during winter, you can enjoy stunning views from various overlooks. Expect chilly temperatures and possible snow, but with the right gear, you can have a wonderful experience. The park’s snow-covered landscapes are breathtaking. Additionally, ranger-groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available during these months.
How much time should I spend in Mesa Verde National Park?
The park spans just over 52,000 acres, but there’s a lot to see. Therefore, ideally, set aside at least two full days for exploration.
Rangers offer three distinct guided tours of the cliff dwellings that range from 45 to 90 minutes long. Consider participating in all three if you can, as they visit different structures – including the popular Balcony House, Cliff Palace, and Square Tower House – with knowledgeable rangers providing insights. Note that the park service recommends a minimum of two hours between tours, making it necessary to possibly spread these tours across several days.
If you can only spare a few hours at Mesa Verde, you can enhance your visit by downloading a free audio tour podcast, which can be listened to while driving the Mesa Top Loop Rd. Along this 6-mile route, you can stop to admire some cliff dwellings from a distance and enjoy short hikes.
Is it easy to get in and around Mesa Verde National Park?
Mesa Verde is located in the far southwest corner of Colorado, about an hour from the Four Corners border with Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. It’s not near any major cities or airports, but you can fly into small airports in Cortez, Durango, or Farmington. Nevertheless, you’d need to rent a vehicle as public transit is minimal and a car is necessary to navigate the park.
Most visitors choose to road trip to Mesa Verde. From Denver, expect a roughly seven-hour drive featuring stunning Rocky Mountain scenery. It’s approximately four hours from Albuquerque and seven hours from Phoenix. If your journey includes visiting multiple national parks in Arizona and Utah, such as the Grand Canyon or the Mighty 5, consider taking the detour to Mesa Verde.
Top things to do in Mesa Verde National Park
Step back in time in ancient cliff dwellings
Marvel at the engineering and architectural skills of the Ancestral Pueblo people while exploring their cliff dwellings. Access requires a guided ranger tour. Cliff Palace offers the most popular and accessible tour, while Square Tower House appeals to more adventurous visitors. Although tours are essential for interior access, dwellings can still be viewed from a distance if tours aren’t available.
Stay up late for incredible stargazing opportunities
Sneak in a quick nap to enjoy the awe-inspiring night sky. The remote location and dry climate contribute to incredibly dark nights, creating perfect stargazing conditions. In fact, Mesa Verde was designated an International Dark Sky Area in 2021.
Look – and listen – for birds
Bring binoculars to spot the diverse bird species in the park. Expect to see a wide variety, from hummingbirds to western tanagers, and even birds of prey like golden eagles. Stay alert, as you might hear a bird before you see it.
Pitch a tent (or park an RV)
Camping is a fantastic way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Mesa Verde’s Morefield Campground features 267 campsites suited for tents and RVs. Comforts like showers, a camp store, and a laundromat are also provided.
For other options, consider log cabins at Ancient Cedars RV Park or camping at Target Tree Campground. For a cozy indoor stay, explore lodging at Far View Lodge or nearby hotels in Cortez, Mancos, or Durango.
Hike the varied trails
Experience the park’s beauty by hiking its extensive 30 miles of trails, which vary in difficulty. If you’re acclimating to the altitude, begin with a short hike, like the Farming Terrace Trail, which offers a half-mile loop showcasing ancient irrigation systems.
For seasoned hikers, the Petroglyph Point trail presents a short but challenging route, requiring climbing and maneuvering between boulders. Along the way, encounter petroglyphs illustrating the rich history of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
How much money do I need for Mesa Verde National Park?
Mesa Verde is an accessible destination. Keep in mind, however, that dining and lodging options are somewhat limited due to the park’s remote location.
- Basic room for two: $125–175
- Campsite: $40
- Self-catering apartment: $100–200
- Guided tour: $8–25
- Coffee: $3
- Sandwich: $9–12
- Dinner for two: $50
- Beer/pint at the bar: $5
What should I pack for Mesa Verde National Park?
Sturdy hiking shoes are essential due to the rugged terrain. Additionally, be sure to pack sunscreen and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially given the park’s elevation. Weather can shift quickly, so layering your clothing is practical. Casual activewear is generally appropriate throughout the park.
What’s the etiquette at Mesa Verde National Park?
Mesa Verde promotes a “leave no trace” ethic, encouraging visitors to help preserve the park’s natural beauty for future generations. This includes disposing of trash properly, sticking to designated trails, and avoiding disturbance to archaeological sites, wildlife, and plants. Remember to educate younger visitors about maintaining a respectful presence in nature.
Where else should I go while visiting Mesa Verde National Park?
As the drive to southwest Colorado is lengthy, consider extending your stay to explore nearby attractions. Durango, a charming town located along the Animas River, offers outdoor recreation and a vibrant downtown area filled with breweries and mountain bike trails. If time permits, enjoy a scenic ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, operating on tracks that date back to the 1880s.
