Mesa Verde, a “green table” in Southwestern Colorado, offers spectacular views and wonderful activities for young and old alike.

Hiking

Whether you are interested in a short stroll along a quiet trail or strapping on your pack and heading out for an over night trip, Mesa Verde offers an abundance of panoramic views along its paths. For information on popular day hikes trails, Click Here!

For more about hiking in the the park, Click Here!

Skiing and Snowshoeing

You might think that Mesa Verde’s winter weather stops recreational opportunities in the park, but winter's arrival brings winter sports such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing when heavy snow is available.

Two park roads permit these activities. Cliff Place Loop Road closes to vehicles after the first snow fall, allowing visitors to park at its gate and travel the 6-mile loop by ski or foot. Morefield Campground Loop Roads are also available during winter months.

Park at the gate and follow multiple routes for miles of fun. Call 970-529-4461 for park road and cross-country skiing/snowshoeing conditions. Remember, backcountry travel is not permitted. Please remain within the above listed areas.

Camping

Just 4 miles inside Mesa Verde’s borders, visitors can find beautiful campsites in a grassy canyon. Fill your stomachs with all-you-can-eat pancakes, your gas tanks with fuel, and your eyes with the native flora and fauna that surround you at Morefield Campground. For those of you interested in something a little more rugged than Mesa Verde’s spectacular lodging, plan to camp in Morefield Campground for a truly amazing experience with nature.

For more information, Click Here!

Touring Cliff Dwellings

Touring Cliff Dwellings-ranger guided, self-guided: Both ranger-guided and self-guided programs are available year round in Mesa Verde National Park. Due to the high demand of ranger-guided tours, only plan on scheduling one per day during summer months. During the busy season, these tours cost $3.00 per person, but in winter months, you can take a guided tour for free!

For more information on touring the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde, Click Here!

Archeological Museum

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum: Located 20 miles from the park entrance, the museum includes dioramas, prehistoric artifacts, a 25-minute orientation film, free self-guided tours in the spring, summer, and fall, and free ranger-guided tours in the winter. You can also visit the bookstore, restrooms, drinking fountains, snack bar, gift shop, and post office nearby.

Hours
January to early April: 8:00 am- 5:00 pm Early April-early October: 8:00 am – 6:30 pm October to late December: 8:00 am- 5:00 pm

For Kids

If children will be traveling with your through Mesa Verde, be sure to stop at the Far View Visitor Center or the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum to pick up a Junior Ranger activity sheet. Complete the activity sheet then take it to a ranger at either location to receive a Junior Ranger Badge.

Driving and Auto Touring

For short visits to Mesa Verde or for those unsure of their ability to tackle the strenuous trails, plenty of scenic overlooks and wildlife viewing opportunities are available along the main roads within park boundaries.
Mesa Top Loop Road Auto Tour - This 6-mile tour allows visitors to pass by over 600 years of Mesa Verde historical artifacts. Paved trails allow you to easily access twelve surface villages and cliff dwelling overlooks along this route. This road is open from 8:00 am – sunset in good weather. Cliff Palace Loop Road - Another 6-mile tour also includes cliff dwelling overlooks and is only open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing or hiking once snow falls. This road is open from 8:00 am- sunset in good weather.