The Ultimate Guide to Mesa Verde National Park — Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

Mesa Verde National Park is in southwest Colorado, perched on the Mesa Verde Plateau. This phenomenal park showcases the remnants of the Ancestral Puebloans who thrived in this area for over 700 years.

Visiting Mesa Verde National Park is like stepping back in time to see where these tribes settled in this area. From cliff dwellings to petroglyphs to historical artifacts, Mesa Verde National Park brings in over 550,000 visitors who explore this remarkable park annually.

How To Get to Mesa Verde National Park

Where Is Mesa Verde National Park?

Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado in Montezuma County. The park covers 82 square miles and stretches over a desert landscape with multiple canyons. This incredible park is near the Four Corners area where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet.

Nearest Airports to Mesa Verde National Park

The 2 airports most used when traveling to Mesa Verde National Park are Albuquerque International Sunport and Cortez Municipal Airport. These airports both have unique offers for travelers. Let’s discover which airport will work best for your national park experience.

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

Albuquerque International Sunport is the closest international airport to Mesa Verde National Park. This airport is a 4-hour drive from the park, with lots to see along the way.

ABQ serves over 20 major cities, each with worldwide connections. This airport serves 8 major airlines, including American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United.

Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ)

The closest airport to Mesa Verde National Park is Cortez Municipal Airport in Cortez, Colorado. This airport is only 15 miles from the park. Cortez Municipal Airport offers affordable daily flights connecting to Denver International Airport (DEN). Cortez Municipal Airport is served exclusively by Boutique Air.

Driving to Mesa Verde National Park

A road trip to Mesa Verde National Park is an experience that will create memories to last a lifetime. There are several routes for arriving at Mesa Verde National Park. Where you’re coming from will determine which route to take. Below are 3 routes to Mesa Verde National Park to help determine how you will get to the park and start your Mesa Verde experience.

From the North to Mesa Top Ruins Road

If you’re coming from the north, utilize US-491 South to West Empire Street, followed by State Street. US-160 East will lead you to Mesa Top Ruins Road which will take you to Mesa Verde National Park.

From the East to Mesa Top Ruins Road

Visitors from the east take US-160 West toward the Mesa Verde National Park exit. This exit will take you to Mesa Top Ruins Road and the park.

From the South to Mesa Top Ruins Road

Travelers arriving from the south drive US-491 North and then access Interstate 160. Once on the interstate, taking the Mesa Verde National Park exit will lead you to Mesa Top Ruins Road and the park.

Taking the Train to Mesa Verde National Park

A trip by railway is always an exciting way to explore a new place. Letting someone else take care of the stress of driving while you sit back and enjoy the ride sounds like a great way to get a bulk of travel out of the way.

Mesa Verde National Park has no direct train service, but Amtrak can get you close. The Flagstaff, Arizona station can get you within a 4.5-hour drive from the park.

Taking the Bus to Mesa Verde National Park

Taking a bus trip to Mesa Verde National Park is another option for arriving without your car. Greyhound Bus Lines has an excellent option for those who want to travel by bus.

There isn’t a bus terminal in Mesa Verde, but there is one in Durango, Colorado. It is only a 40-minute drive from Durango to Mesa Verde National Park. Taking a bus to Mesa Verde National Park allows you to enjoy the scenic drive without worrying about the stress of driving.

Getting Around Mesa Verde National Park

Driving a personal vehicle is the most popular way to get around in Mesa Verde National Park. Several scenic drives offer amazing views along the way. The main scenic drive is Mesa Loop Road, which will take you to 12 major attractions in the park.

Another way to explore Mesa Verde National Park is by bicycle. Some trails are bike friendly, but most are not. For those who cycle through the park, preparing for steep roads and poor pavements is important.

Hot Tip: The National Park Service provides a wide variety of printable and interactive maps on its website for mapping out your Mesa Verde itinerary.

What To See and Do in Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is brimming with sights and attractions to explore. From ancient cave dwellings to archaeology museums, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Let’s check out some of the most popular attractions at this incredible national park.

Balcony House

Balcony House is a must-see attraction in Mesa Verde National Park. This site showcases a mid-size village with 38 well-preserved rooms, kivas, and plazas. Balcony House is a tribute to the ancestors of the Pueblo Indians of Arizona and New Mexico who built and occupied the area in the 13th century.

Today, Mesa Verde National Park offers adventurous tours through this dwelling. Visitors can tour the attraction by crawling through tunnels and climbing ladders, including a 17-foot ladder to exit the site.

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum was built in 1922 and is one of the oldest in the national park system.

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum was constructed using Cliff House Sandstone, like the other cave dwellings that can be seen in the park. The museum showcases galleries of artifacts from the Ancestral Puebloans, including ceramics, jewelry, and sandals. Visitors can watch a 25-minute film to learn about the archeology found in Mesa Verde National Park.

Bottom Line: Stopping by to visit the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum will reward park guests with a wealth of knowledge about Mesa Verde National Park and the archeology found in the area.

Cliff Dwelling Tours

Park rangers lead tours through the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park from May to October each year.

Participating in a ranger-led tour is a remarkable way to get an up close and personal experience of these early homes and settlements in the park area. All cliff dwellings are ranger-led or assisted, other than Step House, the only dwelling that can be toured without a park ranger.

If you had to choose a single must-do activity when visiting Mesa Verde National Park, a ranger-led tour of a cliff dwelling would be the best choice. This experience would help you get a true reflection of what life was like with the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park. This site was built by Ancestral Puebloans in the 1200s and had over 150 rooms and 20 kivas, which were rooms used for religious rituals.

This cliff dwelling was rediscovered in 1888 by ranchers and is presently one of the most photographed structures on earth. Ranger-guided tours are offered regularly from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Four Corners Lecture Series

Several organizations sponsor guest speakers during the Four Corners Lecture Series. This lecture series has an array of presentations, including topics such as archaeology, Native American culture, natural resources, the history of Mesa Verde, and the Four Corners area.

This is a spectacular time for park guests to gather and learn about the Four Corners region from local experts. The Four Corners Lecture Series has gatherings just about every month of the year, so be sure to check out the schedule when you plan to visit Mesa Verde National Park.

Hiking

Hiking is a popular activity for park visitors in Mesa Verde National Park. There are nearly 30 miles of park trails for adventurers to hike. The hiking trails at Mesa Verde National Park take visitors over expansive vistas, up and down sloping mesas, and through rugged canyons.

The trails are broken into different park areas, including Morefield Canyon, Chapin Mesa, and Wetherill Mesa. Some popular hiking trails include point Lookout Trail, Petroglyph Point Trail, Longhouse Loop, and Farming Terrace Trail.

There are several critical notes to remember if you plan to hike during your Mesa Verde adventure. Hiking in Mesa Verde National Park is a unique experience as Mesa Verde is a sacred ancestral home to 26 tribes. Hiking off-trail in Mesa Verde National Park is illegal. It is crucial to stay on the designated hiking trails.

Also, the high elevation and hot, dry climate can cause dehydration and altitude sickness immediately. If you plan to hike in Mesa Verde National Park, be prepared with plenty of water and salty snacks.

Long House

Long House is located on Wetherill Mesa, the second largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park. Touring Long House includes a 2-mile hike and climbing several ladders. This 60-minute ranger-led tour offers stunning views of the park’s landscape, the distant canyons and mesas, and the active seep spring in the dwelling.

Mesa Top Loop

Mesa Top Loop is a 6-mile scenic drive that takes adventurers to 12 viewpoints in Mesa Verde National Park. Some sites along this road include Navajo Canyon View, Oak Tree House and Fire Temple, and Sun Temple. This scenic drive is a 1-mile loop and takes up to an hour to complete. This loop is available from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center

The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is near the park entrance. Making this visitor and research center your first stop when arriving at the park is a great way to plan your Mesa Verde adventure.

Visitors can learn about the park through numerous exhibits and collections that teach about the culture and natural history of Mesa Verde. The Visitor and Research Center also houses a bookstore for guests to purchase guides, maps, and books to learn more about the park.

Petroglyph Point Trail

Petroglyph Point Trail is 2.4 miles long, taking visitors along a narrow, rocky footworn path that Ancestral Pueblo people traveled.

Petroglyph Point Trail enters Spruce Canyon and connects to the Spruce Tree House. Adventurers can see the petroglyphs showcased on a large panel covering an area of over 35 feet. Some markings displayed on the petroglyph panel include human and animal figures and handprints.

Bottom Line: Walking Petroglyph Point Trail gives park guests a glimpse into the past and allows them to see if they can determine the meaning behind these ancient images.

Spruce Tree House Overlook

Spruce Tree House was built in the 1200s and is the third-largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park. This dwelling is the best-preserved site in the park, as most of the materials displayed are original pieces from the 1200s. The Spruce Tree House Overlook is located near the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.

Step House

Step House is the only cliff dwelling accessible without a ranger-led tour. This area is unique in its archaeological artifacts showing 2 different occupations of the early inhabitants, including a basketmaker and a pit house community.

The Step House can be visited before or after the Long House tour. While this is a self-led tour, park rangers are available nearby to answer any questions you may have while visiting.

Wildlife Viewing

Mesa Verde National Park is home to many animals. Coyotes, turkey vultures, jackrabbits, foxes, and bears reside in this park. Some wild cattle and horses might also be spotted if you look in the right area, but your best chance to see wildlife is by driving around the park at dawn or dusk.

While it is intriguing to see the animals that live in the park, feeding or trying to touch the animals is never a good idea. Observe these creatures in their natural habitat or take photos to capture the moment.

Best Times To Visit Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a remarkable place to visit, no matter what time of year you plan your trip. There are better times than others if you hope to experience particular events or specific types of weather. Let’s discover the best times to visit Mesa Verde National Park.

Best Time To Visit Mesa Verde National Park in Winter

Visiting Mesa Verde National Park in winter is a magical way to view the park and its archeological features. December is the best winter month to visit the park, as it is warmer than the rest of the cold months and still showcases the park in its winter glory.

The daytime high temperatures are typically around 46 degrees, and the lows dip into the low 20s. The park offers an exciting list of winter activities for those who venture there during these icy months.

Best Time To Visit Mesa Verde National Park To Avoid the Crowds

Mid-October is a beautiful time to visit for a less crowded experience at Mesa Verde National Park. Mid-October visitors see fewer guests, and most park sites and activities are still open for exploration.

Bottom Line: An October trip allows visitors to explore and discover the beauty of Mesa Verde National Park at their own pace and with less stress.

Best Time To Visit Mesa Verde National Park for Good Weather

June is a great time to visit Mesa Verde National Park. The weather in June is ideal, with temperatures ranging from 52 to 83 degrees. The days are long and filled with sunshine, which makes it the perfect weather for exploring the park.

Cheapest Time To Visit Mesa Verde National Park

The cheapest month to visit Mesa Verde National Park is in September. A mid- to late-September visit can save you hundreds of dollars. Once school returns from summer vacation, the number of visitors also drops. This leads to lower prices for flights and accommodations.

Annual Events in Mesa Verde National Park

Various events take place each year in and around Mesa Verde National Park. There’s always some form of excitement in this beautiful area, from art shows to music festivals. Let’s explore some of the top events that happen in and near Mesa Verde National Park.

Luminaria

Luminaria is a holiday tradition at Mesa Verde National Park and usually takes place in early December. Visitors worldwide come to the park to see the lantern-lit homes of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

This event offers opportunities for visitors to see the dwellings lit up and enjoy the unique perspective provided by Mesa Verde National Park during the holiday season.

Hot Tip: The event has been canceled since 2020 for a variety of reasons (COVID-19, storms, construction, staffing shortages), so make sure to check the park’s website before making concrete plans.

Star Party

Star Party takes place in September at the Morefield Campground Amphitheater. This event is a time for stargazing under the exceptionally dark skies of Mesa Verde National Park.

The event has astronomy presentations, discussions on the Navajo star stories, and night sky viewing with telescopes. This is an enchanting time to learn about and explore the night skies of Mesa Verde National Park.

Winterfest

Winterfest is an incredible event that takes place in January in Mesa Verde National Park. This is an excellent opportunity for winter sports enthusiasts to visit the park and enjoy snowy activities like hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. All these thrilling activities are offered at night so guests can have a magical experience in the moonlight of Mesa Verde.

Where To Stay In and Near Mesa Verde National Park

Visitors can find the perfect place to stay during their Mesa Verde National Park vacation, whether they decide to remain on the park’s property or in one of the nearby towns. Let’s explore some amazing lodging options in and near Mesa Verde National Park.

Inside the Park

Mesa Verde National Park has in-park lodging available. Whether you desire camping in the great outdoors or staying in a comfortable lodge, the park has you covered.

Far View Lodge

Far View Lodge is centrally located in Mesa Verde National Park, just 15 miles from the park’s entrance. This lodging option offers spectacular views over Mesa Verde and into Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.

The lodge is open during the spring, summer, and fall and offers incredible amenities for those who visit the park. With a wonderful dining room, gift shop, and lounge, guests can rest assured that their dining and shopping needs are met.

The rooms at Far View Lodge include complimentary Wi-Fi, private balconies, and a kitchenette for added convenience. Far View Lodge is ideal for parkgoers who want to stay there during their vacation and have hotel-style accommodations.

Morefield Campground

Morefield Campground is the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay on the park’s property during their national park vacation.

This campground is 4 miles from the park’s entrance and has 267 campsites for RV and tent camping. Adventurers enjoy setting up camp in the grassy canyon and appreciate the natural beauty of the oak trees, native flowers, and wildlife, including the turkey and deer that meander through the campground.

Morefield Campground offers plenty of amenities during your stay, including a laundromat and camp store, showers, firepits, and picnic tables.

Towns Near Mesa Verde National Park

The 2 towns near Mesa Verde National Park make a fantastic choice for setting up a home base near the park. From campgrounds to luxury hotels, these nearby towns have something to offer every type of traveler. Check out what the towns of Cortez and Mancos have to offer.

Cortez, Colorado

Cortez, Colorado, is just 10 miles from Mesa Verde National Park and is an excellent option for visitors who want to stay near the park. This town was named after Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes. It is popular for tourists and adventurers because of its proximity to popular destinations such as Mesa Verde National Park.

Cortez is known for its incredible outdoor adventure, culture, and archeology opportunities. The town has many trails for those who enjoy time in the great outdoors, including hiking trails, biking trails, and trails to explore ancient ruins.

Cortez has numerous places for lodging, including budget and luxury hotels, dude ranches, campgrounds, historic hotels, and charming bed and breakfasts. No matter your accommodation preference, you can rest assured that you will find precisely what your heart desires in Cortez.

This town is also booming with places for a delightful culinary experience. There are amazing restaurants that serve authentic cuisine from around the world, local restaurants that serve regional and local favorites, and gourmet restaurants that feature unique dishes by renowned chefs.

Bottom Line: Cortez is a superb choice for those planning a base camp during their Mesa Verde National Park adventure.

Mancos, Colorado

Mancos, Colorado, is called the Gateway to Mesa Verde and is about 10 minutes from the park. This small town thrives with Western culture, recreation, and amazing places for lodging and dining.

The historic downtown Mancos is excellent for boutique shopping and visiting the galleries that line the streets. Other popular sites in Mancos include the historic Opera House and the Mancos Common Press. Mancos has abundant lodging options available for those visiting Mesa Verde National Park. There are campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, guest ranches, hotels, and cabins near the park.

Food enthusiasts are in for a treat when staying in Mancos. With dozens of restaurants serving local and regional favorites, the most challenging part of dining in Mancos is choosing where to eat. This town’s restaurants serve various cuisine, including Asian, Mexican, Italian, and American fare.

For guests who enjoy outdoor adventure, Mancos is in an optimal location for horseback riding, hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. Mancos offers everything a traveler could desire during their national park experience. This town is ideal for setting up a home base while visiting Mesa Verde National Park.

Where To Eat in Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde has several options for dining right inside the park property. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to grab a sandwich, a fine dining establishment, or a place to grab a drink with friends, you can find just what you’re looking for at Mesa Verde National Park. Let’s look at some of the dining options at this national park.

Far View Lounge

Far View Lounge is an incredible dining choice if you want to enjoy a good meal, a relaxed atmosphere, and breathtaking views.

This pub-style restaurant offers an array of signature cocktails, beer, and wine, along with outstanding appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Favorite dishes include the Korean barbeque chicken wings, the short rib grilled cheese, and the Mesa burger. Far View Lounge is ideal for visiting with friends and family or catching a game on one of the big-screen TVs.

Far View Terrace Cafe

If you are looking for a quick and casual restaurant while visiting the park, be sure to stop by Far View Terrace Cafe.

This restaurant is in a food-court setting and serves a breakfast buffet, lunch, and coffee. Visitors love creating one-of-a-kind omelets at the omelet station and making the perfect cafe drink at the Mesa Mocha Espresso Bar. Far View Terrace Cafe is ideal for those looking for a quick and delicious meal during their national park trip.

Metate Room

Metate Room is located in the Far View Lodge. This restaurant offers an exquisite culinary experience. The menu features a variety of dishes with a modern Southwestern twist.

The restaurant offers freshly caught seafood, wild game, and organic produce sourced locally. Visitor favorites include the braised short rib and the honey garlic salmon. Metate Room is an excellent place to refuel and relax after visiting attractions in the park.

Spruce Tree Cafe

Spruce Tree Cafe is located near the park headquarters and Chapin Mesa Museum. This restaurant is open seasonally for afternoon meals inside or on the patio.

Spruce Tree Cafe serves a menu of American favorites and southwestern specialties. Popular meals include the Mesa burger and house-made chili. This cafe is the perfect place to stop for a quick bite, a refreshing drink, and a little rest when visiting Mesa Verde National Park.

Mesa Verde National Park Facts

1. It Became a National Park in 1906

Mesa Verde National Park was established on June 29, 1906. President Theodore Roosevelt signed the declaration that this park was established to preserve the work of man. This was the first national park designated as a tribute to the work of a particular people group.

2. The Park Houses Thousands of Protected Ancestral Sites

Mesa Verde National Park has 4,700 archaeological sites, including over 600 cliff dwellings. All attractions are protected and preserved by programs such as the Stabilization and Structural Engineering Program and the Archaeological Site Conservation Program.

3. You Can Tour a Magnificent Palace

Cliff Palace is one of Mesa Verde National Park’s most prominent cliff dwellings. This is one of the American Southwest’s best examples of ancestral dwellings. This feature has 150 rooms and was home to approximately 100 people. In comparison, most other cliff dwellings only have between 1 and 5 rooms. Cliff Palace is believed to have been a place of high social status and ceremonial rituals at its peak use time.

4. Mesa Verde Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1978, Mesa Verde National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park received this honor for preserving the settlements distinctively. UNESCO reports that the park regularly communicates with local representatives from at least 26 Native American tribes that consider the land their ancestral home.

5. It’s an International Dark Sky Park

Mesa Verde National Park was declared the world’s 100th International Dark Sky Park. The park’s incredible night sky allows for numerous opportunities for park guests to learn about astronomy during their visit.

6. There’s an Abundance of Animals

Many animals make their home in Mesa Verde National Park. There are at least 74 mammal species, 200 bird species, 16 types of reptile species, 5 amphibian species, and 6 species of fish that can be found in the park. On top of all these animals, over 1,000 different types of insects live in the park for at least part of the year.

7. A Large, Threatened Owl Is Protected in Mesa Verde

A significant bird that can be found in the park is the Mexican spotted owl. This owl lives in the park and is listed on the threatened species list by the U.S. and Mexico governments.

The Mexican spotted owl is one of the largest owl species in America. Visitors frequently spot these interesting birds during their visits. There are 2 protected activity centers and 3 breeding areas in Mesa Verde National Park for the Mexican spotted owls.

8. The Ancestral Puebloan Departure Is an Unsolved Mystery

Research has shown that the Ancestral Pueblo people inhabited the park area. Still, a mystery that remains unsolved is why these people left. It is suspected that in 1300, the Ancestral Pueblo people completely evacuated Mesa Verde and relocated to more southern areas in Arizona and New Mexico. Some theories of why these people left include droughts and crops not thriving in the area.

9. Its Name Means Green Table

Mesa Verde National Park has a Spanish name. Mesa Verde means “green table” in Spanish. It is believed to have been named Mesa Verde due to its flat landscape and lush forest areas.

10. Mesa Verde Preserves Deteriorated Dwellings

Mesa Verde National Park dwellings deteriorated from the 13th century to the 1880s due to natural causes such as wind and water erosion, freezing and thawing cycles, and animal disturbances. In the late 1880s, frequent visitation and exploration caused the deterioration to accelerate. Once Mesa Verde was declared a national park, preserving the park became a priority.

11. Livestock Has To Be Removed From the Park

Mesa Verde National Park is working to remove the livestock that makes their home near the park. Some horses, cattle, and mules have entered the park. Still, they need to be removed and sent to a different location to preserve the architecture and landscapes of Mesa Verde National Park.

12. Archaeologist Dr. Jessee Fewkes Influenced Preservation in Mesa Verde

Jesse Fewkes was an American anthropologist, archeologist, and naturalist that made quite the impression at Mesa Verde National Park. Dr. Fewkes worked for the Smithsonian Institute and significantly impacted preserving the archaeology at Mesa Verde.

Fewkes also became the first to hold evening campfire programs at Mesa Verde National Park in 1907, a tradition that continues today.

These evening campfire programs are held at Morefield Campground and last 45 minutes to an hour. Visitors can listen to park rangers explain the history of Mesa Verde National Park.

13. The Original Dwellers Were Resourceful

The native people of the Mesa Verde National Park area were hunters, gatherers, and farmers. Many crops were grown in the Mesa Verde area, including beans, corn, and squash. The native people hunted animals that lived in the area, such as squirrels, deer, and rabbits. They also gathered plants that were safe to eat that grew in the area. This group was resourceful and did what was needed to survive and thrive.

14. Virginia McClurg Influenced Mesa Verde’s National Park Status

Virginia McClurg led the way to Mesa Verde becoming a national park. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Virginia gave lecture series and began a petition to protect and preserve the ruins of the Mesa Verde area.

Thanks to Virginia McClurg’s endless efforts, we now have Mesa Verde National Park. She worked tirelessly to bring awareness to this campaign and paved the way for it to become a national park in 1906.

Final Thoughts

Mesa Verde National Park is filled with thousands of archeological sites with over 600 cliff dwellings from the Ancestral Pueblo people. This national park has so much to offer visitors and helps them learn about history, culture, and nature.

Visiting Mesa Verde National Park will give you a look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people and help you to learn about the rich history of Mesa Verde.