The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is open daily from January 2 to December 31, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
At Mesa Verde National Park, the entrance fee is $20 for a private vehicle, $15 for motorcycles or bicycles, and $15 per person on foot. Annual passes are $55, and America the Beautiful passes are also accepted. Free entry days include certain holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Veterans Day.
By Car: Main entrance 10 miles east of Cortez, Colorado, via Highway 160; accessible also via Highway 491. By Air: Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) 1 hour away; Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) 4 hours away; rental cars recommended. Tours: Guided tours from nearby towns including Durango, Cortez, and Santa Fe, NM.
At Mesa Verde National Park, park cars and motorcycles in various lots, including the Wetherill Mesa parking area. For RVs, use Morefield Campground, which accommodates vehicles up to 25 feet long and 8,000 pounds. No overnight parking in lots; camping requires campground stay. Entry fee or pass required.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Colorado, provides an extraordinary look into the lives of ancestral Puebloan people. Renowned for its spectacular cliff dwellings built into sandstone cliffs over 700 years ago, the park offers numerous archaeological sites such as pit houses, mesa-top villages, and Cliff Palace—the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Visitors can explore scenic trails through diverse ecosystems from high plateaus to deep canyons, discovering both natural beauty and ancient history. Mesa Verde invites you to connect deeply with America’s rich cultural heritage.
- Area (mi²)
- 81
- Annual visitors
- 505 000
- Established year
- 1906
Top 3 Facts about Mesa Verde National Park
The park receives an average of 80 inches of snow each season, with elevations ranging from 6,015 feet at Soda Canyon to 8,571 feet at Park Point, creating a unique high desert environment.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, recognized for exceptional cultural and archaeological significance.
Diverse ecosystems ranging from high-elevation plateaus to deep canyons, supporting varied plant and animal species adapted to an arid desert environment.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Family Camping & Overnight
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Research park attractions, trails, and tours in advance; reservations highly recommended for ranger-guided tours, especially during peak seasons.
Pack Appropriately
Dress in layers appropriate for varied seasonal weather; bring hats, sunscreen, water, and gear suited for outdoor exploration and hiking.
Respect Wildlife
Respect fragile archaeological sites by staying on designated trails, not touching ruins or artifacts, and leaving everything undisturbed.
Stay Informed
Upon arrival, visit park visitor centers for current maps, brochures, and condition updates; rangers offer personalized advice and recommendations.
Seasons
Mild weather, blooming wildflowers, excellent for exploring archaeological sites and hiking trails; fewer crowds, occasional rain showers, fluctuating weather.
Peak visitation, warm weather (70s–90s°F), extended hours for tours and cultural demonstrations, ideal for stargazing and ranger-led activities; reservations strongly recommended due to crowds.
Spectacular fall foliage, pleasant temperatures (50s–70s°F), fewer visitors, ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic exploration; reduced hours or closures later in season.
Quietest season, peaceful snowy landscapes, unique views of cliff dwellings; limited facilities and possible road closures due to winter weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Mesa Verde National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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You can stay in Cortez, Colorado, which is about 10 miles from the park’s visitor center and offers various hotels and amenities. Another option is Durango, a vibrant college town about 40 minutes from the park’s entrance. Mancos is also a choice, with bed and breakfast options available.
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The Cliff Palace hike is the most family-friendly, with a roundtrip distance of only 1/4 mile and a moderate difficulty level due to some ladders and stairs. It is suitable even for young children, as it leads to one of the best-preserved and most impressive ruins in the park. Tickets are required and can be purchased in advance.
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You can bring your dog, but it must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are allowed on paved roads, parking lots, and some specific trails like Park Point and the Mesa Loop sites, as well as certain campgrounds and picnic areas. However, they are not permitted on most trails, overlooks, or inside buildings.
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Overnight RV parking is allowed in the designated campground, but there are restrictions. RVs must be under 25 feet in length and weigh less than 8,000 GVW to use certain roads. Full hookup sites are available for some RVs, campers, and motorhomes.
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Explore the cliff dwellings on guided tours, such as Cliff Palace and Balcony House, to gain insights into ancestral Puebloan culture. Take the 6-mile Mesa Top Loop Road scenic drive to see cliff dwellings, archaeological sites, and canyons. Visit the Mesa Verde Museum and enjoy the park film to learn more about the ancestral people, and hike to Park Point for spectacular views across the Four Corners Region.