Mesa Verde National Park, CO

Travel Guide

Mesa Verde National Park featuring landscape views, a gorge or canyon and tranquil scenes
Mesa Verde National Park showing signage
Mesa Verde National Park which includes landscape views, a gorge or canyon and tranquil scenes
Mesa Verde National Park which includes land animals
Mesa Verde National Park featuring a gorge or canyon and landscape views

View prehistoric ruins standing untouched beneath the cliff edges. The soft, flowing sandstone canyons here are a beautiful sight.

Marvel at perfectly preserved remains of Ancestral Pueblo communes that date back thousands of years. Clamber up wooden ladders and through tunnels to reach superb vantage points for gazing across Mesa Verde National Park.

Hidden among the vast sandy plains of southwestern Colorado, this majestic location features one of the oldest examples of early human life in North America. Ancestral Puebloans lived here between A.D. 600 and 1300 before leaving behind approximately 5,000 sites including 600 cliff dwellings. 

Set off with your guide on a 1-hour tour departing from the park’s visitor center. Start at the Chapin Mesa area of the park where you will find the highest concentration of sites, including Cliff Palace. Climb the five ladders to access this astonishing network of buildings dug into the canyon. The 150 rooms built from sandstone and wood beams once provided shelter for close to 100 people. 

Back at ground level continue east along the path toward Balcony House. Getting here means climbing numerous ladders and staircases. As the name suggests, this settlement provides splendid views, particularly toward Soda Canyon’s jagged path through the sandstone. This dwelling is smaller, consisting of 40 rooms and several small plazas. 

Access nearby Spruce Tree Hill more easily. Constructed during the 13th century, this dwelling was discovered in 1888 by local ranchers while searching for stray cattle. It is set into a natural alcove just above ground and features ceremonial chambers as well as small homes. 

Before you leave, investigate the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. Study a selection of detailed dioramas to understand what life was like for the Ancestral Puebloans and see rare artifacts including tools used to hunt and eat. To learn more, attend an evening ranger talk at Morefield Amphitheater.

The entrance to Mesa Verde National Park is approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) west of Durango. The park is open year-round and there is a small admission fee.  

U.S. national parks offer affordable adventure for all types of travelers and frequently provide fascinating history lessons. Enjoy your trip to Mesa Verde National Park as you learn about your predecessors in North America.

Far View Lodge

Far View Lodge

2 out of 5
Mile Marker 15, inside, Mesa Verde National Park, CO
The price is ¥21,245 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
¥21,245
¥23,226 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in Mesa Verde National Park. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
Far View Lodge
Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez

Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez

2 out of 5
430 N State Hwy 145, Cortez, CO
The price is ¥11,172 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥11,172
¥12,278 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Cortez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez
Baymont by Wyndham Cortez

Baymont by Wyndham Cortez

2.5 out of 5
2279 Hawkins, Cortez, CO
The price is ¥20,203 per night from Oct 13 to Oct 14
¥20,203
¥21,274 total
Oct 13 - Oct 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Cortez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
Baymont by Wyndham Cortez
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming bungalow in the heart of Southwest Colorado

Charming bungalow in the heart of Southwest Colorado

Cortez
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Cortez. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cortez Cultural Center and ...
Charming bungalow in the heart of Southwest Colorado
Quiet charming 3-bedroom house in central Cortez with WiFi and central air.

Quiet charming 3-bedroom house in central Cortez with WiFi and central air.

2 out of 5
Cortez
Stay at this vacation home in Cortez. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez and Clay ...
Quiet charming 3-bedroom house in central Cortez with WiFi and central air.
Perfect Country Getaway Near Durango, Mountains, Lakes, Mesa Verde, Skiing

Perfect Country Getaway Near Durango, Mountains, Lakes, Mesa Verde, Skiing

Hesperus
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Hesperus. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities.
Perfect Country Getaway Near Durango, Mountains, Lakes, Mesa Verde, Skiing
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Mesa Verde National Park

4.9
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
39
5 - Excellent 89%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 11%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Mesa Verde National Park is the place to go to learn about the ancient Indian culture and to appreciate the beauty of nature.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The overall experience was wonderful. The quiet, hearing nothing but the wind in many parts of the park feels so refreshing.

4/5 - Good

Dreamer

Well managed park. Easy access on well maintained roads to vista points.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Consider more sustainable methods for keeping visitor trash to a minimum. Example is the Far View Terrace Cafe; for every waffle made, one plastic cup is used for the batter then thrown away. All beverages were served in non-reusable cups.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Get tickets as early as you can

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is a wonderful park but you must stop at the visitor's center to get tickets to visit the cliff dwellings. Expect that you won't get your first choice of time and plan to be in the park longer than you originally planned.

Cities near Mesa Verde National Park