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Mesa Verde is truly unique place to experience as it was the first National Park to be created specifically to preserve important archeological and cultural sites, rather than just beautiful scenery and an unusual environment.
Thousands of Ancestral Pueblo people lived on the “Green Table” for over 700 years building both on the mesa and in the surrounding cliffs.
The biggest draw to the park are the amazing cliff dwellings impossibly built into cliff alcoves. Many are able to be seen from roadside viewpoints across the valley, like Cliff Palace. Others, like Step House require a short hike.
But if you’d like to get up close, many others like Mug House, Long House Balcony House, Square Tower, offer ranger led assisted or guided hikes (by reservation).
Mesa Verde is also certified as an International Dark Sky Preserve. If you have time, return of a night and enjoy one of the darkest skies in the United States.
Drive eastbound on 160 from Cortez, or westbound on 160 from Durango.
Allow a full day to drive to Chapin and Wetherill Mesas and time to explore a house or two.
There are approximately 35 miles of road in the park. With only one entrance, all routes go in and out the same way.
The Wetherill Mesa area will remain closed through the 2024 season for construction. Check the National Park Service website for updates.
Most cliff dwellings can be entered only on a ticketed tour with a ranger, and must be booked in advance. Tickets are released 14 days prior, and can be booked online on the recreation.gov website.
