Mesa Verde National Park
Highway 160, Mesa Verde, CO, 81321
Mesa Verde National Park is known for its hundreds of cliff dwellings built into the landscape of mesas and canyons. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best places in the country to learn about the Ancestral Pueblo people, who inhabited the southwest corner of Colorado for centuries until about 1300. Some of their dwellings had up to 200 rooms, which remain exceptionally well preserved beneath the shelter of the mesa tops.
The Basics
Start at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center to get oriented with the national park and purchase (optional) admission to the Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House cliff dwellings, which can be accessed only on popular ranger-guided tours. Or check out the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and drive along Mesa Top Loop Road, a 6-mile (10-kilometer) route that’s home to easily accessible surface dwellings and cliff dwelling overlooks.
The closest city to the park is Cortez, Colorado, but the historical railroad town of Durango is the more visitor-friendly base from where most day tours to the park depart. Book a tour if you want the ease of round-trip transportation; otherwise go on your own to explore at your own pace.
Things to Know Before You Go
Mesa Verde National Park is ideal for lovers of archaeology, history, and nature.
There is no bus or shuttle in the park so you will need a vehicle or bike to get around. Bikes are permitted on paved roads but not on most of the trails.
Give yourself at least two hours just to drive in and out of the park, as the route is a narrow and steep mountain road, and weather and sporadic road work can cause delays.
The park ranges in elevation from 6,900 to 8,572 feet (2,100 to 2,612 meters), so stay hydrated to help ward off altitude sickness.
Free WiFi is available in the visitor center lobby and parking area.
Mesa Verde National Park’s visitor center and most park attractions are accessible to wheelchairs, though some may require assistance due to gravel paths and grades.
How to Get There
The turnoff from Highway 160 to Mesa Verde National Park is about a 45-minute drive from Durango, between the towns of Cortez and Mancos. From there it’s a 21-mile (34 kilometer) drive to the first view of a cliff dwelling along a winding road.
When to Get There
The park is open daily year-round, but winter weather may cause some closures. While it’s typically mild in the winter, snowstorms are possible from October through May. It’s warm to hot from June to September, when temperatures can exceed 90°F (32°C) during the day with cool evenings. In July and August, be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms.
Four Corners
About an hour’s drive southwest of Mesa Verde lies the Four Corners Monument, where the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet. Managed by the Navajo Nation, the remote site features a marker where you can stand in four states at once.
Ways to explore
Reserve a Mesa Verde National Park pass online for faster entry, and note that the only way to enter the famous Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and other dwellings is to book ranger-led tours in advance. For a hassle-free visit, many travelers join full-day park tours with transportation from the historic railroad town of Durango.
Independent travelers can experience the archaeological site on self-guided audio tours, drives, and hikes. Enjoy the park from your car on the scenic Mesa Top Loop, or check out the Mesa Verde Museum for the best views of the Spruce Tree House dwelling.
Accessibility
Many attractions in Mesa Verde National Park are wheelchair accessible—head to the visitor center to learn about sites that are suitable for different mobility needs.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Mesa Verde has a dry, high-altitude climate, so carry plenty of drinking water and sun protection.
What to wear
Wear sturdy walking shoes—many of the cliff dwellings have ladders and uneven steps—and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.
Not allowed
Drones, marijuana, hiking off-trail
Amenities
The visitor center has restrooms, Wi-Fi, information, and a gift shop.
Address
Mesa Verde National Park is in Southwest Colorado. You’ll need a car to explore, as the park’s highlights are spread out. Many people come from Durango, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) east, or book day trips with transportation included.
Driving
From Durango, head west on US 160 and turn left at the park entrance. The visitor center and parking area are just north of the entrance, while the first cliff-dwelling viewpoint is another 21 miles (34 kilometers) down the road.
Public transportation
There is no public transportation or shuttle service for getting to or around Mesa Verde National Park. If you are traveling without a car, join a guided tour from Durango.
Best times to visit
There’s a lot to see in Mesa Verde National Park, so plan to arrive in the morning to allow enough time to see the museum, cliff dwellings, and mesa-top communities.
Best days to visit
The park is open daily. Check the cliff-dwelling tour schedule up to two weeks in advance to plan your visit around the ranger-led excursions.
Best months to visit
September and October, when daytime temperatures are mild, are the best months to visit the park. By then, summer crowds have peaked, and ranger-led tours continue through late October.
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