Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park

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A canyon with rocky cliffs and dense green trees.
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A canyon with a prominent rocky cliff and dense forest.
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A canyon with ancient cliff dwellings and dense forest.

Things to do

Mesa Verde National Park Driving Audio Tour

Mesa Verde National Park Smartphone Based Driving Audio Tour

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Mesa Verde National Park Smartphone Based Driving Audio Tour
Mesa Verde National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Mesa Verde National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

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Mesa Verde National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
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Mesa Verde National Park must see attractions

1. Spruce Tree House

As the best-preserved cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park, and the largest after Cliff Palace and Long House, Spruce Tree House is a favorite to visit at any time of year. Built between A.D. 1211 and 1278 by the Ancestral Puebloan people of southwestern America, the impressive dwelling features about 130 rooms and eight ceremonial kiva chambers. Note that the large alcove housing the dwelling measures 216 feet (66 meters) wide and 89 feet (27 meters) deep at its greatest width and depth.
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Ancient cliff dwellings nestled in a canyon with dense green vegetation.

2. Cliff Palace

Located within a massive sheltered sandstone alcove, Cliff Palace has been wonderfully preserved for over seven centuries. Visitors are often awed with the sheer size and scale of the dwelling, the largest in the national park. Explore the dwelling’s rooms and ceremonial sites, which give a sense of what life would have been like for its ancient inhabitants .
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Ancient cliff dwellings with a group of people gathered in the center.

3. Balcony House

Explore Balcony House, a 40-room cliff dwelling carved into a rock face in Mesa Verde National Park. The dwelling was most likely constructed during the 1200s by the ancestors of the Pueblo Indians of Arizona and New Mexico. Enjoy an educational and adventurous tour of this fascinating ancient residence.
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A cave with ancient dwellings carved into the rock, a ladder leading into the cave, and a view of the surrounding landscape.

4. Petroglyph Point Trail

While many other prominent petroglyphs in Mesa Verde can be seen only during a guided tour, you can view the wall art perched above Petroglyph Point Trail independently. Follow this 2-mile (3-kilometer) loop trail to view the ancient art as well as the attractive surrounding scenery.
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A large rock formation with a cave entrance and a tree growing nearby.

5. Long House

Filling a sandstone alcove that is 298 feet (91 meters) long, Long House is one of the most fascinating ancestral dwellings within the entire Mesa Verde National Park. The site features about 150 rooms and 21 kivas (ceremonial structures) and may have been inhabited by 175 people at one time.
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Ancient cliff dwellings with multiple levels and structures built into the rock face.

6. Knife Edge Trail

Despite its forbidding name, Knife Edge Trail is accessible for all ages and fitness levels. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Montezuma Valley along the 2-mile-long (3-kilometer) trail. Spot local birds nesting in the brush off one side of the trail and soaring over the rocky drop-off on the other.
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A rocky outcrop with a panoramic view of rugged mountains and valleys.

7. Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

Visit the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum for an excellent sense of what life was like for the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived in and around the region of Mesa Verde National Park. Browse the informative, educational exhibits at this well-maintained museum to enhance your entire park experience.
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What to do in Mesa Verde National Park

Stay near popular Mesa Verde National Park attractions

Ancient cliff dwellings nestled in a canyon with dense green vegetation.

Spruce Tree House

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Built between 1211 and 1278, this third-largest Mesa Verde cliff dwelling once housed 80 Ancestral Puebloans. View its 130 rooms and 8 ceremonial kivas from overlooks near the Chapin Mesa Museum.
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Popular day trips from Mesa Verde National Park

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Cortez

A flat terrain with a prominent rock formation in the center and a distant cliff.

Towaoc

Frequently asked questions

Is Mesa Verde National Park worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the local charm and cultural hotspots or try regional foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in Mesa Verde National Park.
How do I spend a day in Mesa Verde National Park?
After you've visited major attractions like Mesa Verde National Park Entrance and Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, spend some time discovering Mesa Verde National Park's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Mesa Verde National Park?
The top tourist attraction in Mesa Verde National Park is Mesa Verde National Park Entrance, so make sure to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Mesa Verde National Park?
You can easily tour top sights like Mesa Verde National Park Entrance, Park Point and Spruce Tree House with a three-day escape to Mesa Verde National Park. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Cortez.
What are some activities to do in Mesa Verde National Park with kids?
Planning what to do in Mesa Verde National Park with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them entertained here.
What to do in Mesa Verde National Park for adults?
Adults of all ages will have plenty of things to do in Mesa Verde National Park. Whether you're into history, art, nature or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Mesa Verde National Park?
In Mesa Verde National Park, Soda Canyon Overlook Trail is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Mesa Verde National Park.