Mesa Verde National Park

Travel Guide

Mesa Verde National Park showing tranquil scenes, a gorge or canyon and landscape views
Mesa Verde National Park which includes signage
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park showing land animals
Mesa Verde National Park
View prehistoric ruins standing untouched beneath the cliff edges. The soft, flowing sandstone canyons here are a beautiful sight.

Marvel at perfectly preserved remains of Ancestral Pueblo communes that date back thousands of years. Clamber up wooden ladders and through tunnels to reach superb vantage points for gazing across Mesa Verde National Park.

Hidden among the vast sandy plains of southwestern Colorado, this majestic location features one of the oldest examples of early human life in North America. Ancestral Puebloans lived here between A.D. 600 and 1300 before leaving behind approximately 5,000 sites including 600 cliff dwellings. 

Set off with your guide on a 1-hour tour departing from the park’s visitor center. Start at the Chapin Mesa area of the park where you will find the highest concentration of sites, including Cliff Palace. Climb the five ladders to access this astonishing network of buildings dug into the canyon. The 150 rooms built from sandstone and wood beams once provided shelter for close to 100 people. 

Back at ground level continue east along the path toward Balcony House. Getting here means climbing numerous ladders and staircases. As the name suggests, this settlement provides splendid views, particularly toward Soda Canyon’s jagged path through the sandstone. This dwelling is smaller, consisting of 40 rooms and several small plazas. 

Access nearby Spruce Tree Hill more easily. Constructed during the 13th century, this dwelling was discovered in 1888 by local ranchers while searching for stray cattle. It is set into a natural alcove just above ground and features ceremonial chambers as well as small homes. 

Before you leave, investigate the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. Study a selection of detailed dioramas to understand what life was like for the Ancestral Puebloans and see rare artifacts including tools used to hunt and eat. To learn more, attend an evening ranger talk at Morefield Amphitheater.

The entrance to Mesa Verde National Park is approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) west of Durango. The park is open year-round and there is a small admission fee.  

U.S. national parks offer affordable adventure for all types of travelers and frequently provide fascinating history lessons. Enjoy your trip to Mesa Verde National Park as you learn about your predecessors in North America.

Far View Lodge
Far View Lodge
2 out of 5
Mile Marker 15, inside, Mesa Verde National Park, CO
The price is CA $139 per night from Apr. 29 to Apr. 30
CA $139
CA $153 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this resort in Mesa Verde National Park. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Inside the Monument Valley is unforgettable experience stay!"

Reviewed on Nov. 5, 2024

Far View Lodge
Baymont by Wyndham Cortez
Baymont by Wyndham Cortez
2.5 out of 5
2279 Hawkins, Cortez, CO
The price is CA $124 per night from Mar. 30 to Mar. 31
CA $124
CA $130 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Cortez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,176 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and welcoming. The rooms were spacious, but since they are on the older side they won't look spotless — despite that, it was clean and tidy enough for our standards. TV offered an array of cable channel options. Breakfast left much to be desired, but the effort is appreciated ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 26, 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Cortez
Retro Inn at Mesa Verde
Retro Inn at Mesa Verde
2 out of 5
2040 East Main Street, Cortez, CO
The price is CA $123 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $123
CA $135 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this motel in Cortez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,453 reviews)
"It was great!"

Reviewed on Mar. 27, 2025

Retro Inn at Mesa Verde
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quiet charming 3-bedroom house in central Cortez with WiFi and central air.
Quiet charming 3-bedroom house in central Cortez with WiFi and central air.
2 out of 5
Cortez
Stay at this vacation home in Cortez. Enjoy a fitness center, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez and Clay ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
Cortez Casa
"A perfect pit stop through the gorgeous parts of Colorado! The house is spacious and clean and just what we needed to get a good night’s rest before another Lo mg day of driving."

Reviewed on Mar. 25, 2025

Quiet charming 3-bedroom house in central Cortez with WiFi and central air.
Perfect Country Getaway Near Durango, Mountains, Lakes, Mesa Verde, Skiing
Perfect Country Getaway Near Durango, Mountains, Lakes, Mesa Verde, Skiing
Hesperus
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Hesperus. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and a pool table.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
Amazing!
"This beautiful home was perfect for our big family vacation! We skied in Purgatory and spent time in Durango. Perfect location and there was plenty of room for all of us ranging from 4 months to 65 years old! The basement was awesome for the kids and the kitchen had everything we needed. Can’t wait ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2025

Perfect Country Getaway Near Durango, Mountains, Lakes, Mesa Verde, Skiing
Scenic Hesperus Home on 2 Acres with Fenced Yard!
Scenic Hesperus Home on 2 Acres with Fenced Yard!
Hesperus
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Hesperus. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning.
Scenic Hesperus Home on 2 Acres with Fenced Yard!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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