Mesa Verde National Park
Explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Colorado's stunning Mesa Verde.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tour season is open
Mesa Verde National Park
Best Time
Tour season is open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Colorado's stunning Mesa Verde.
"A remarkable park resting at roughly 8,000 feet, offering timeless history and heavenly delights."
Book Tours 14 Days Ahead
Tickets for popular cliff dwellings sell out fast! Reserve yours on Recreation.gov 2 weeks in advance.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Many trails involve ladders and uneven terrain. Good grip is essential for safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cliff Palace
Cliff Palace Overlook
North America's largest cliff dwelling, a breathtaking testament to Ancestral Puebloan ingenuity.
Balcony House Tour
Balcony House Trailhead
An adventurous 'Indiana Jones' tour with ladders and tunnels to a stunning cliff dwelling.
Long House Tour
Long House Trailhead
Explore behind the structures and learn from knowledgeable rangers about this significant dwelling.
Mesa Top Sites Loop Road
Various overlooks
Drive this scenic route for panoramic views and easy access to multiple archaeological sites.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tours in Advance
+1Prepare for Altitude & Sun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours 14 Days Ahead
Tickets for popular cliff dwellings sell out fast! Reserve yours on Recreation.gov 2 weeks in advance.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Many trails involve ladders and uneven terrain. Good grip is essential for safety.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
The high altitude and dry climate mean you need to drink lots of water, especially on tours.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Factor in time to get from parking to tour starting points; it can be a mile or more.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours 14 Days Ahead
Tickets for popular cliff dwellings sell out fast! Reserve yours on Recreation.gov 2 weeks in advance.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Many trails involve ladders and uneven terrain. Good grip is essential for safety.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
The high altitude and dry climate mean you need to drink lots of water, especially on tours.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Factor in time to get from parking to tour starting points; it can be a mile or more.
Ranger Tours are Gold
Rangers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions and learn from their insights!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mesa Verde National Park is overwhelmingly praised for its unique and incredibly well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, offering a profound connection to history. Visitors rave about the knowledgeable rangers and the breathtaking views, though some note that booking tours in advance is essential and can be competitive. The park's high altitude and the physical demands of some tours are considerations for visitors.
"Amazing! Drove there knowing that the museum and tours are closed due to the gov't shutdown BUT still worth it! Got to check this off of my bucket list and there is a phenomenal view of one of the cliff dwellings (Spruce Lodge) from the Visitor area at the top. Once you enter the park off of the highway it is about a 30-40 min drive up the mountains (very scenic) and it is about 22 miles to the top/end where the cliff dwelling viewing area is. You need to get out of your car at the top where you see various buildings and walk down between the buildings to get to the viewing area. Such a great experience. Leave time before sunset to get up and back down. It was nice to have the whole place to myself and just a few other people. So serene. No cell service when you are driving up and back FYI. Also, no charge to get in so that was a plus. Rangers are present and super friendly."
Valley Girl
"Make sure you have at-least an hour added to the time what your car gps states to be on time for your tour. Tour starts not at the parking but at a different entry point which requires at least a mile of hike to get there. It gets very hot in summer so do carry a lot of water. They have restrooms at various locations with is good. Glad we carried food as cafes were far. The roads are on a cliff, so many cars were driving cautiously. Signs were well places to plan for scenic location stops. Two hikes are literally next to a cliff, so sturdy shoes recommended. Would highly recommend Longhouse tour if you had to pick just one. Ranger Ray was very knowledgeable and shared a lot with us during our tour. These tours gets sold fast, so do book your tour in advance."
Meenal Vadke
"It’s a nice place and good to know about the history of the people. Apart from the architecture part, the views were more like a far sight canyons and mountains, might feel regular if you have been to couple of other parks in the state or across US. People told to take guided tour but was not open when I went unfortunately. So I self guided with GPT and was good to see and relate."
Vicky Ilango
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado, near Cortez. The closest major airports are Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) and Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT). From Cortez, it's about a 35-mile drive to the park entrance.
Public transportation directly to Mesa Verde National Park is very limited. Most visitors arrive by personal vehicle or rental car. Consider ride-sharing services from gateway towns like Cortez if you don't have your own transport.
Roads within Mesa Verde can be winding and are often adjacent to cliffs. Drive cautiously and be aware of other vehicles and potential wildlife.
Yes, Mesa Verde offers camping options. Morefield Campground is the primary campground within the park, offering RV and tent sites. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
Yes, RVs can access most areas of the park, including the campgrounds. However, some of the narrow roads and parking areas may be challenging for larger RVs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No reservations are required to enter the park itself. However, you absolutely need advance reservations for guided tours of the cliff dwellings.
Tickets for popular tours like Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House must be booked in advance on Recreation.gov. They typically go on sale 14 days prior to the tour date at 8:00 AM MDT and sell out quickly.
Tour prices vary, but the Cliff Palace tour, for example, has been noted as being around $8. It's best to check Recreation.gov for the most current pricing.
Yes, the Step House is often available for self-guided exploration without a tour, offering a great way to see a cliff dwelling up close.
The park is generally open year-round, but the tour season for cliff dwellings typically runs from mid-May to mid-October. Check the official NPS website for exact dates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cliff Palace is the largest, Balcony House is the most adventurous, and Long House offers unique access. Step House is a great self-guided option.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change. Bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.
Some tours, like Balcony House, involve climbing ladders and crawling through tunnels, requiring a good level of fitness. Cliff Palace and Long House also involve some climbing.
Mesa Verde offers hiking trails, scenic drives like the Mesa Top Sites Loop, museums, and opportunities for photography and stargazing.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the park, including the cliff dwellings. However, be respectful of the historical sites and other visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited dining options within the park, primarily at the Far View Lodge and the Spruce Tree Cafe (seasonal). It's advisable to bring your own food and snacks, especially for tours.
The gateway town of Cortez offers a variety of restaurants, from casual diners to more upscale options. You can also find food in nearby towns like Mancos and Dolores.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas within the park, offering beautiful views. Bringing your own food is a great way to save time and money.
The Spruce Tree Cafe typically offers casual fare like sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Check their operating hours and menu seasonally.
For convenience and to maximize your time exploring, bringing your own food or eating in gateway towns before or after your visit is often recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Overlooks along the Mesa Top Sites Loop Road offer stunning panoramic views. The cliff dwellings themselves, especially during golden hour, are incredibly photogenic.
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hours) provide the best light for photographing the cliff dwellings and landscapes, minimizing harsh shadows.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and cultural resources. Check the NPS website for current regulations regarding drones.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and capturing the scale of the dwellings. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
The view of Cliff Palace from the overlook, the intricate details of the dwellings, and the vast canyon vistas are all must-capture moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Step House offers a great self-guided option for families to explore a cliff dwelling at their own pace. 🚶 Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancestral Puebloans
+1 These ancient people were skilled farmers, hunters, and builders, developing sophisticated societies and leaving behind an incredible array of archaeological sites. Their most iconic creations are the cliff dwellings, intricate structures built into alcoves within the canyon walls. These dwellings served as homes, ceremonial sites, and defensive structures, showcasing remarkable architectural and engineering prowess. +1Visitors can learn about their way of life through the numerous archaeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House. Rangers and interpretive programs offer deep insights into their culture, beliefs, and the mysteries surrounding their eventual migration from the area. Understanding their history is key to appreciating the significance of Mesa Verde as a protected cultural landscape.
Navigating the Cliff Dwelling Tours
It's an exhilarating way to connect with the past, but requires a good level of physical fitness and comfort with heights. Other popular tours include Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, and Long House, which offers a unique perspective and often features highly knowledgeable rangers.
Photography Tips for Mesa Verde
When photographing the dwellings, a wide-angle lens is invaluable for capturing their scale and context within the cliffs. Don't forget to look for details – the textures of the stone, the patterns of the masonry, and the small openings that hint at daily life. Overlooks along the Mesa Top Sites Loop Road provide excellent vantage points for panoramic shots of the landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit