Table of Contents
Updated January 2026
Touring enchanted Mesa Verde National Park takes you on an unforgettable journey into the past, where history and nature meet in a truly magical setting. Home to Ancestral Cliff Dwellings, here you can see some of the best-preserved ancient cliff homes in North America. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features old cliff homes that were once lived in by the Ancestral Puebloans. It gives us a look into their interesting culture and smart building skills. As you explore these beautiful homes on the cliffs, you will discover the stories of a civilization that flourished in the Southwest for many years. Their legacy still inspires wonder and respect today. If you love history or just want to have a special outdoor adventure, Mesa Verde offers an amazing chance to explore ancient wonders.
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Today, visitors to Chapin Mesa can explore various cliff dwellings, including Spruce Tree House, Cliff Palace, and Balcony House. Guided tours are available for some of these sites, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the ancestral Puebloan people who once inhabited these dwellings and gain insights into their remarkable architecture and way of life.
How do I Get to Mesa Verde National Park?
- From Denver, Colorado: If you’re driving from Denver, take US-285 South to US-160 West. Continue on US-160 West until you reach the park entrance. The drive takes approximately 7-8 hours.
- From Durango, Colorado, take US-160 East and continue for about 35 miles until you reach the park entrance. The drive from Durango takes approximately 1 hour. Far View Lodge is 15-miles from the Entrance Gate. The museum and Chapin Mesa sites are approximately 20-miles from the entrance gate.
- From Cortez, CO: Take E Main St./US-160E approximately 25-miles. Take the Mesa Verde National Park exit. From other nearby cities: Use GPS or online mapping services to find the best route from your location to Mesa Verde National Park. Major highways and roads in the area include US-491, US-160, and CO-184.
Essential Information for Your Visit to Discover Mesa Verde National Park
- Operating Hours: Visitor Center: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally). Park Access: The park is open year-round, but certain areas may be closed during winter or extreme weather conditions.
- Entrance Fees: Yes, the park requires entrance fees. Vehicle Pass: $20 for a 7-day pass (valid for one vehicle). Individual Pass: $10 for individuals entering on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle. Annual Pass: $40 for an annual pass to Mesa Verde National Park.
- Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed on trails, in the cliff dwellings, or in any park buildings. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. They are allowed in the campground and parking areas. Make sure to bring a pet-friendly travel plan if you’re planning to visit with your pet.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (April to June and September to October) are the ideal times to visit for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer months (June to August) can be warmer and busier, but all park facilities are fully operational. Winter offers fewer visitors, but some areas may be closed due to snow or weather conditions.
Purchasing Tours of Mesa Verde National Park Dwellings
There is a requirement that you must be on a ranger-led tour to enter all cliff dwellings. The 2023 tour season will run from May 14 through October 21. We had purchased our ranger tour tickets online via recreation.gov website. Ticketed tours are required to enter most cliff dwellings. Luckily, we could book all three of the tours for one day.
Note: You can purchase Tour tickets only on recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Tickets are available 14 days in advance, 8:00 am MST, on a rolling daily window.
Beginning your journey at the Mesa Verde National Park Visitor Center
The visitor center is near the park entrance, just off the main road (Highway 160), approximately 15 miles east of Cortez, Colorado. This is worth the brief stop before driving the 40-miles into the park. The parking lot has plenty of oversized spots for trailers, RVs, and buses. The visitor center typically operates year-round, although the hours may vary seasonally.
The design of the building itself is unique in its ability to blend with its surroundings. This visitor center serves as the major hub for information, exhibits, and services for visitors. The visitor center provides essential resources to enhance your understanding and experience of the park. There are many exhibits that offer insights into the culture and daily life of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Visitors can watch an orientation film that provides an overview of the park’s history, preservation efforts, and important safety information. Be sure to get your national park passport stamp before leaving. There is also a bottle refill station and clean restrooms.
Travel NOTE: Mesa Verde Far View Lodge is located 40-miles inside the park, and the roads inside the park will add more miles, so be sure to have a full tank of gas before entering the park. It’s a good idea to check the park’s official website or contact its visitor information center for the most up-to-date information on road conditions and park access.
Substantial Ancestral Cliff Dwellings at Mesa Verde
This park is home to some of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. These dwellings, built by the Ancestral Pueblo people between the 12th and 13th centuries, are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of this ancient culture.
Chapin Mesa: Discovery of the Ancient Cliff Dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park
They named the mesa after George L. Chapin, an early explorer and photographer who played a significant role in the discovery and documentation of the cliff dwellings in the late 19th century. Several individuals, including Richard Wetherill and his brother-in-law Charles Mason, made notable contributions to the discovery of the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde.
Richard Wetherill, his brother-in-law, Charlie Mason and Ute, Acowitz, were rounding up cattle in December 1888, and looked up and saw the ruins of what is now known as Cliff Palace. Over the years, word spread, and a few chance explorers hired the Wetherills to guide them to Cliff Palace. Swedish scientist Gustaf Nordenskiöld studied and photographed the cliff dwellings with the Wetherill family. This eventually led to the establishment of Mesa Verde National Park in 1906 to protect and preserve these unique archaeological sites.
Uncovering the Ancient Cliff Dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park
In 1909, Jesse Walter Fewkes, an anthropologist and archaeologist affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, conducted significant excavations and preservation work at the Cliff Palace alcove. He conducted detailed excavations at Cliff Palace, which involved removing debris and stabilizing the crumbling walls of the structures.He worked to document and protect the site, offering key insights into ancestral Puebloan culture. Unfortunately, early visitors had already taken many artifacts.
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NOTE: When visiting Chapin Mesa and the cliff dwellings, it is important to follow park guidelines, respect the fragile archaeological sites, and appreciate the cultural significance of these ancient structures.
Take an Earlybird Tour of Mesa Verde’s Balcony House
This was my favorite tour of the three guided hikes we booked in the park. We booked the Earlybird tour online in advance. We met our ranger guide in the parking lot above the Balcony House alcove. Our group was small (12). Our ranger, Jan Tankersley, was friendly and very knowledgeable. She proceeded with the safety talk, outlining that the trek was strenuous. Climbing a 32-foot ladder and scrambling through a low tunnel on hands and knees is a tight squeeze.
Although I have a fear of heights, I did not have issues with any of the ladders-just remember to look up, not down. During her narrative, she informed us that the morning temperatures are way warmer than in the afternoon since Balcony House has full sun exposure in the morning. Bring plenty ofwater!
Why are these historic cliff dwelling sites here?
By the 13th century, most of the ancestral Puebloan communities in the Mesa Verde region had left their cliff dwellings, including Balcony House. The exact reasons and circumstances of their departure continue to be subjects of study and interpretation among archaeologists and researchers.
Our Cliff Palace Tour in Intriguing Mesa Verde National Park
This is the most impressive cliff dwelling in terms of its sheer size. Again, this is a ranger-led tour and requires the purchase of tickets in advance. The Cliff Palace tour typically lasts about one hour. Our group included the 700-year tour participants, so the number was around 40 for the 10:30 am scheduled tour. The short trail down to the Cliff House is not that strenuous. However, there are still a few ladders to climb to get out of the ruins. Ranger Jill explained the history behind the ancient Ancestral Pueblo people who built these magnificent structures. Once we reached the Cliff Palace, Ranger Jill guided us through the site, explaining the various rooms, kivas, and unique architectural elements. We learned about the daily life, social organization, and ceremonial practices of the ancestral Puebloans who lived here.
Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum
If you want to learn about the people who used to live in Mesa Verde long ago, the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum is a great place to start. You can find the museum right next to the Spruce Tree House restaurant. It’s in an adobe-style building near the parking lot. You can visit the museum store every day from 8:30 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. So if you’re curious about ancient civilizations, this museum is the place for you!
It was here that we learned about the history of archaeological exploration and the discoveries made at Mesa Verde. It has an outstanding collection of artifacts, along with a very informative 25-minute video. The archaeological exhibits illustrate the Ancestral Puebloan lifestyle. Many of the displays are behind glass, such as dioramas, pottery, jewelry, art, clothing, and weapons. The tangible representations of the cliff dwellings gave us a better understanding of their original appearance, architectural features, and layout. This museum could easily take an hour of your time or more, so plan accordingly if you want to immerse yourself in the details, gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of the park.
Hiking Petroglyph Point Trail
The trail starts at the Spruce Tree House overlook. Pick up a map at the visitor center before starting the hike. Along the trail, you will find numbered markers, and the map will provide explanations for each stop. The first half of the 2.4-mile loop trail hike is moving through the shaded forest. The trail gained its reputation for petroglyphs—ancient rock carvings made by the ancestral Puebloan people. Look out for the petroglyph panel near the start of the trail, featuring various symbols and designs. The latter half of the trail has more of a boulder scramble, shifting towards the exposed top of the canyon. There is little to no shade here, so be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack. From the top of the mesa, there are sweeping panoramic canyon views of the expansive landscape of Mesa Verde.
PRO TIP: The Visitor’s Guide newspaper available at the front entrance has a 10% discount coupon for the gift shop and bookstore. Stay on the designated trail and avoid touching or disturbing the petroglyphs or archaeological sites. Be mindful of your surroundings, as the trail includes some exposed areas and cliffs. On all the tours, it is important to bring water, lots of water.
Drive the Scenic Mesa Top Loop Road in Mesa Verde
The Mesa Top Loop Road is a 6-mile scenic drive that forms a loop through the central portion of Mesa Verde National Park. We travelled the winding road while listening to the Auto Tour – 700 years of Mesa Verde History. The audio tour provides insightful information about twelve archeological sites along the road. The Mesa Top loop road takes you past multiple pithouses, scenic overlooks, the Square Tower House overlook, and the Sun Temple. There are good signs, information markers, and restrooms along the way. You could spend a few hours seeing these remarkable structures. Archeologists have unearthed kivas and other structures that date back to A.D. 900 to about A.D. 130.
The Mesa Top Loop Road takes you chronologically through the history of the ancient Puebloan peoples who settled these mesas and canyons. Stop at Sun Point View. From this viewpoint, you can see six major cliff dwellings – Sunset House, Cliff Palace, Mummy House, Oak Tree House, New Fire House, and Fire Temple. The early pit houses date to early 550 A.D. and show how the Ancestral Puebloans lived. As you follow the road, you can trace the evolution of their living patterns, which culminated in sophisticated cliff dwellings like the Sun Temple (built circa 1200-1300 A.D.). A virtual field trip of this site is available for viewing here.
The Mythical Sun Temple on Chapin Mesa
The Sun Temple is a large ceremonial complex built by the Ancestral Puebloans, featuring a central plaza surrounded by interconnected rooms and kivas. Its distinctive D-shaped design and precise alignment reflect a sophisticated understanding of solar cycles, suggesting it served as an astronomical observatory tied to religious, social, and agricultural ceremonies. Occupied for nearly 700 years before its mysterious abandonment, the site’s intentional geometry and engineering mirror similar celestial-focused structures at Chaco Canyon.
Exploring the Far View Complex on Chapin Mesa
The Far View Sites Complex is a large ancestral Puebloan community on Chapin Mesa, connected by a peaceful 1-mile unpaved loop trail. The complex includes several villages—Far View House, Pipe Shrine House, Far View Reservoir, Megalithic House, Far View Tower, and Coyote Village—and was occupied between about 900 and 1200 CE. The site features dwelling units, kivas, storage rooms, and other structures. We picked up a $1 self-guided trail map at the visitor center, though it can also be downloaded ahead of time. Often overlooked, the Far View Complex is well worth an afternoon.
Walking the Far View Complex Site
The trail allows close-up views of the excavated ruins, with interpretive signs explaining their history. Walking through the site offers a strong sense of how the Ancestral Puebloans lived and adapted to a harsh environment of hot summers and cold winters, making the experience both informative and reflective.
Travel along the mesmerizing Wetherill Mesa Road
The Wetherill Mesa Road is a scenic 12-mile paved road that took us through picturesque landscapes, including forests, meadows, and canyons. It is open only during the summer months. The road leads to Step House and Long House. At the end is the paved Long House trail where you can bicycle the road to the scenic overlooks of the mesa tops. We found our binoculars came in handy as some sites are at a distance. We spent most of our day on the Wetherill Mesa between the Long House, the Badger House Trail, Nordenskiöld Site 16 and the Step House. The loop is well-paved for strollers and bicycles, along with being wheelchair accessible.
Long House Tour, Magical Mesa Verde National Park
To reach the Long house you have to walk about 2-miles (2.5 hrs.) and navigate down a steep trail. The ranger narrative begins as you walk the paved trail to the house. Ranger RisingBuffalo Maybee stated that at one point the park paved the trail so that a tram could ferry passengers to the ruins; budget cuts closed that in the summer of 2015. The Long House Loop Trail is a 6-mile multi-use path open to both hikers and cyclists.
Delving into the Mysteries and Wonders of Long House.
RisingBuffalo Maybee began the tour with a spellbinding story. His story gave us valuable insights into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the Long House. The village includes about 150 rooms, 21 kivas, and a row of upper storage rooms. The architects carefully planned the design of the site to match the spiritual beliefs and practices of the people who would visit it. When we walked through the site, we could sense a strong connection to something sacred. The layout and architecture seemed to reflect the deep reverence and respect that the community held for their spiritual traditions. It was a unique and powerful experience to witness the way the physical space harmonized with their beliefs.
Step House-Self-Guided Walking Tour
One of the major attractions along the Wetherill Mesa Road is the Step House archaeological site. This is a moderate hike from the parking lot. This dwelling is beautiful and accessible without a tour guide. Walking into the house is a self-guided tour that gives you the opportunity to climb around one of the cliff dwellings without the crowds. Plan for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to complete the self-guided tour, allowing ample time for exploring the ruins, reading the interpretive signs, and enjoying the surroundings. Consider bringing water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
Meandering through the Ancient Cliff Dwelling at Step House
This cliff dwelling is smaller than Long House, but we combine it with a scenic hiking trail approximately 1-mile round trip. This location had more pictographs than the others. The shaded pathway will fork. Choose the right path. This will take you to a set of steep stairs that take you to the house with magnificent views as you approach. Take the left paved path, which is in full sun but has a gradual descent. There are places to rest as you come back up the trail.
This site is very different because it has ancient pit houses alongside the cliff dwelling, demonstrating multiple occupations at this site. They have reconstructed these pit houses. The house itself is small, but you can climb ladders and check out the kivas and other areas. We walked among the ruins, imagining the daily activities and cultural practices that once took place in this ancient cliff dwelling. If you have time built into your itinerary, this is worth the short hike.
Fascinating Discoveries, Badger House Trail & Exhibits
This self-guided walk is an easy, flat way to explore the area’s rich cultural history at your own pace. Starting near the Wetherill Mesa kiosk, the trail follows Long House Loop Road before branching to the Badger House Community. Along the way, it connects four excavated Ancestral Puebloan sites spanning 700 years of history, with wildflowers lining the path and occasional views of wild horses on the opposite mesa.
Nordenskiöld Site 16 Trail
Another short 0.9 miles round-trip trail will take you towards an overlook of the Nordenskiöld Site 16. Much of the gravel path passes through the skeletal remains of trees burned in the 2000 Pony Fire. This site is inaccessible to walk through. We got splendid views from the overlook. They named the site after the Swedish archaeologist who studied these ruins in the early 1890s-Gustaf Nordenskiöld. There were 39 rooms, seven kivas, one tower and ten communal work areas in the cliff dwelling named after him.
Enjoy the Journey to Oak Tree House
Oak Tree House periodically offers ranger-led hikes for visitors. A 1.6-mile hike winds through a picturesque landscape, including forested areas and open meadows, giving us opportunities to admire the natural surroundings. We can also view it from the overlook above. The site’s name derives from the ancient oak tree that grows nearby. Oak Tree House has some apartments rising four stories above the inner alcove. It appears to use every inch of alcove space. Along the upper ledge, there are additional storage rooms. There are about 50 rooms at Oak Tree House, along with six kivas.
Accommodations in Mesa Verde National Park
When we were planning our stay, it was important to consider the proximity of the accommodation to the park’s entrance and the specific sites you may wish to visit. Our overnight stay was inside the park at Far View Lodge, located 40 minutes inside the park on top of a mesa. Far View Lodge offers comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The lodge features private rooms and cabins, a restaurant, and a gift shop. This is the only lodging available in the park. The front desk staff provided us with friendly service through check-in and checkout. Our room view is outstanding. You can see all four states sitting on your deck. The overall setting is serene.
Experience the magic of Mesa Verde’s Farview Lodge
The Lodge is arranged in small, detached “pods” of four to six rooms around a central lodge, creating a private atmosphere. Our room offered an unobstructed front-row view of the landscape. Inside, it was comfortable and well appointed with thoughtful details like a hammered copper sink, handmade furniture, plush towels, and a small refrigerator. The highlight was relaxing bug-free on the porch at sunset, taking in the view. From the deck, we could even see Fire 416 near Durango, with smoke noticeable in the air early on our first morning.
Mesa Verde National Park has one campground where you can pitch a tent or park an RV. Morefield Campground offers various amenities, including a camp store, laundry facilities, and a gasoline station. Note that campgrounds in the park may have limited availability and may require reservations in advance.
Dining in Enticing Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park has limited dining options. Most of the locations are quite a distance from the park entrance and visitor center. Plan accordingly.
Lunch at the Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe
We did lunch at the Spruce Tree Terrace Café. They have a very limited menu. You order at the counter and they bring your food to the table. We shared the Navajo tacos since the portions are rather large. They are simply the best!! DELICIOUS! The service was quick, and we did not have trouble finding a table. There is also a nice little gift shop here. I would suggest that if you are eating lunch, avoid peak times as the seating is limited and can become crowded quickly.
Delightful Dinner at Far View Terrace
Dining here was mostly cafeteria-style. We had breakfast at the Far View Terrace Coffee Shop, which offers a limited but adequate selection of pastries, pre-made breakfast sandwiches, and oatmeal—the latter was surprisingly good. The main restaurant has a more robust breakfast buffet with an omelet station, eggs, bacon, waffles, fruit, and more.
On our last morning, service at the coffee shop was disorganized at opening, with staff seeming unprepared. We did get a hot breakfast sandwich, but the experience highlighted a need for better organization during early hours.
BBQ Dinner at Far View Terrace
We had dinner one night at the Far View Terrace and ordered the BBQ based on good reviews, but arriving near closing meant the food was overdone and underwhelming. Still, the air conditioning and park views were welcome after a long, hot drive. Cleanliness and attentiveness were lacking, with dirty tables and idle staff. On the bright side, the adjacent gift store stood out, offering a great selection of clothing and souvenirs.
Amazing Dinner in the Metate Room Dining
For our final evening in Mesa Verde National Park, we dined at the Metate Room, starting with stunning valley views from our window table. We enjoyed a prickly pear martini, great beer recommendations, and shared a delicious cheese and cured meat board. My pan-seared steelhead trout was perfectly cooked, while Barry’s short rib & cheese tortellini was rich and flavorful. Portions were generous, service was excellent, and the combination of views, food, and drinks makes the Metate Room a must for a special night in the park.
Essential Supplies for Your Road Trip to Mesa Verde National Park
When planning a road trip to Mesa Verde National Park, it’s crucial to pack the right supplies for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Start with a reliable backpack to carry your gear and make sure to bring a hydration system or water bottles to stay hydrated throughout your hikes. Hiking boots with good tread are essential for exploring the park’s rugged terrain, and a wide-brimmed hat along with sunscreen will protect you from the Colorado sun.
A map or GPS device is helpful for navigating the park, while a camera is perfect for capturing the stunning cliff dwellings and views. Be prepared for changing weather by packing a light jacket or layered clothing.
A first aid kit is always a good idea for emergencies, and don’t forget a flashlight or headlamp if you plan on exploring in the early morning or evening.
For added convenience, bring snacks or trail mix to keep your energy up on your adventures. Lastly, consider a multi-tool for any unexpected situations that may arise during your visit.
Final Thoughts: Experience the magic of Mesa Verde’s ancient Ancestral Cliff dwellings
The National Park Service rangers deserve high praise for their exceptional knowledge and hospitality. They are dedicated to ensuring a safe, educational, and enjoyable visit.
Exploring the cliff dwellings inspires awe at the Ancestral Puebloans’ ingenuity. Their sophisticated multi-level designs and seamless integration with the natural alcoves showcase remarkable skill. While much of their world remains a mystery, we can appreciate how their core beliefs shaped this remarkable society.
Touring Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park is more than a visit to ruins—it’s a connection to a civilization that thrived here for centuries. Unlike Arches or Monument Valley, Mesa Verde offers a uniquely immersive historical experience and belongs on every traveler’s itinerary. Whether you have one day or several, be sure to take a cliff dwelling tour and visit the key points of interest.
What did you find most intriguing about Mesa Verde National Park? Did you take a tour of the cliff dwellings? Let us know what you did on your tour in the comments below.
