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Things To Do at Mesa Verde National Park in 2024

Mesa Verde National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history and natural beauty.

With its stunning cliff dwellings and breathtaking vistas, this park offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a fun family vacation, there are so many things to do at Mesa Verde National Park.

In this guide, we'll explore some of the top things we visited in this amazing park.

Stunning views of the San Juan mountain range from Park Point in Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is one of Colorado’s four national parks that can’t be missed.

We suggest staying in the nearby towns of Cortez or Durango, each town offering a different flavor of western Colorado.

While mapping out a nine day long road trip through Southwest Colorado, we quickly realized Mesa Verde National Park was a non-negotiable.

One of four national parks in Colorado, this one lies between Durango to Telluride.

Knowing exactly what we wanted to see there - two fantastically preserved Ancient Puebloan dwellings named Balcony House and Cliff Palace - we planned accordingly.

Hiking to Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde is one of the top things to do at Mesa Verde National Park

Take a Guided Tour of the Cliff Dwellings

One of the most popular activities at Mesa Verde National Park is taking a guided tour of the cliff dwellings.

These ancient structures were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people over 700 years ago and are a testament to their ingenuity and resourcefulness.

The guided tours gave us a deeper understanding of the history and culture of these fascinating people, as well as provided a up-close look at the cliff dwellings themselves.

There are several different tours available, ranging from easy walks to more strenuous hikes, so be sure to choose one that fits your interests and abilities.

Balcony House and Cliff Palace

In order to tour Balcony House and Cliff Palace, we had to reserve spots on a ranger tour or you’ll miss witnessing these two gems up close. More on this down below.

You will see many pictures here of the famous Mesa Verde Balcony House and sprawling Cliff Palace — Colorado’s two prized ancestral Puebloan dwellings.

Added here are also other notable sights and stops, where to camp, where to stay in nearby Cortez and Durango, and the best time to visit.

Square House in Mesa Verde National Park

What Makes Mesa Verde so Special?

Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906 to protect and save the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years (600 to 1300 CE).

This park is home to 5,000 known archeological sites — 600 are cliff dwellings. These cliff dwellings are some of the best to see in America.

The mind-blowing ancient cliff dwellings known as Mesa Verde Cliff Palace and Balcony House lend insight into how Ancient Puebloans were genius architectures. Ranger-led tours in Mesa Verde National Park provoke excellent questions about how these people lived up to the year 1300.

Hiking to Cliff Palace and climbing through Balcony House truly are the crown jewels in Mesa Verde for kids and adults.

Mesa Verde National Park hiking is filled with adventure!

How to Plan your time in Mesa Verde

Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park is open year-round, but opportunities change from season to season. If you’re an America the Beautiful National Park Pass owner, visiting Mesa Verde National Park is included. For daily visits, expect to pay $15-30 depending on the type of vehicle you drive.

DID YOU KNOW? All 4th graders in the USA can apply for a FREE National Park pass. This is a wonderful way to explore the USA many national parks as a family.

Mesa Verde Visitor Center

Your first stop should be the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center to help you make the most of your visit. Located near the park entrance, just off of US 160, this beautiful new building is Mesa Verde’s best way to help you learn more about Ancient Puebloans and how they lived, as well as details about things to see within the park and surrounding area.

Ideally, plan to stop the night before at the new Visitor’s Center at the park entrance to buy your tickets — a mere $8 per person — for Mesa Verde’s Cliff Palace and Balcony House tours (one hour each) the next day. In the month of June, we lucked out with a shaded 1:30 pm Cliff Palace tour, followed by a 3:30 pm shaded Balcony House tour.

LOCAL TIP: We HIGHLY recommend booking tickets ahead of time. If, like Melody, you forgot to book tours, batches of tickets open up 48 hours ahead of the date you wish to go. Usually these tickets are released between 12-2 pm. Ticket reservations are available online at recreation.gov.

Visitor Center Hours in 2024

January 2nd – December 31st, 2024 | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, DAILY

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

*During the summer Ancestral sites, picnic areas, and most trails are open 8 am–sunset

Remember, buying tickets for a Mesa Verde ranger tour is the only way to see these gems up close and personal. For us, it was worth every penny. (At $8/each, it’s not an expensive way to see these historical sites.)

Plan on spending at least six to seven hours in Mesa Verde. Pack a picnic lunch, plenty of snacks and water.

How to Visit the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings in 2024

The cliff dwellings can be entered only on a ticketed tour with a ranger. The 2024 tour season runs from May 14 through October 21.

Tour tickets can be purchased 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.

For example, tickets for May 14th will be available starting April 30th at 8:00 am MDT. Demand for tour tickets is high. We recommend reserving tickets as soon as they become available.

If you plan on booking a second tour on the same day, we recommend giving yourself 2 hours between the time you book a Cliff Palace tour and a Balcony House tour. Each tour is about one hour long.

Tours only cancel for lightning. Our Balcony House tour was delayed 30 minutes due to a sudden summer storm.

PRO TIP: Keep afternoon shade in mind in the summer. In the month of June, we lucked out with a shaded 1:30 pm Cliff Palace tour, followed by a 3:30 pm shaded Balcony House tour.

Cliff Palace Loop

Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset, the Cliff Palace Loop Road takes you to the Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and overlooks to other cliff dwellings.

It will take you about 40 minutes, without stops, to drive from the Mesa Verde Visitor Center to the Cliff Palace Loop from the park entrance.

Mesa Verde Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace is the park’s largest dwelling.

To enter this cliff dwelling, you must be on a ticketed tour with a ranger. The 2024 tour season will run from May 14 through October 21.

It is believed that the Cliff Palace contained 150 rooms and 23 kivas and was home to about 100 people.

When you visit Cliff Palace, you will enter an exceptionally huge dwelling. Due to the sheer size, it is thought that Cliff Palace was a social, administrative site with high ceremonial usage.

Book Cliff Palace ranger led tour for $8 per person. All reservations are available 14 days in advance.

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Mesa Verde Balcony House

Balcony House is super fun with adventurous, older kids, teens and adults who don’t mind heights or small spaces.

Tanya’s family had blast with their ten year old and thirteen year old. When Melody and Matt went, their tour was filled with families.

To enter this cliff dwelling, you must be on a ticketed tour with a ranger. The 2024 tour season will run from May 28 through October 21.

During your one hour ranger led tour of this mid-sized, 40-room dwelling, you will:

Descend a 100 foot staircase into the canyon
Climb a 32 foot ladder
Scramble through a 12 foot, 18 inches wide tunnel (this is optional)
Climb up 60 feet untethered (yes - 60 feet!) via a wide ladder and stone steps.

Book a Balcony House ranger led tour for $8 each. All reservations are available 14 days in advance.

This hike to Balcony House is not for the faint of heart!

Due to the ladder climbing and the park’s elevation (7,000 feet) the Balcony House tour is deemed a strenuous physical activity and should only be done if you are in good health and able and comfortable climbing 60 feet up a wide ladder without a safety harness.

That being said, Tanya’s tween and teenager completed the tour and loved every bit of it!

Balcony House tours will be offered from May 14 - October 21 in 2024.

Purchase tickets for a one-hour tours online at recreation.gov.

Step House

NOTE *For the 2024 season, this area of Mesa Verde National Park is closed for renovations.

The one Mesa Verde cliff dwelling that can be visited without a tour is Step House, on Wetherill Mesa.

Step House is a free, self-guided cliff dwelling. Open between spring and fall; please check Hours of Operation.

The Step House trailhead is located next to the Wetherill Mesa kiosk. The one-mile trail is steep and winding path.

You can enter and exit the Step House at your leisure. There is a ranger on duty in the dwelling to answer questions. Allow approximately 45 minutes to visit Step House.

Views of Spruce Tree House from Petroglyph trailhead

Spruce Tree House Overlook

2024 UPDATE: For the foreseeable future, you can only view Spruce Tree House from a distance along the Petroglyph Trail. Due to a large fracture in the ceiling causing rocks to fall, this part of the park is closed until a solution is found.

Before or after you explore the Cliff Palace Loop or the Mesa Top Loop Road, make sure to visit this little loop that provides views of Spruce Tree House, the third-largest and best-preserved cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde.

Hike the Petroglyph Point Trail

For those who enjoy a more challenging hike, the Petroglyph Point Trail is a must-do. This 2.4-mile trail takes you through stunning scenery and ends at a rock face covered in ancient petroglyphs.

Consider heading out first thing in the morning for this Mesa Verde National Park hiking trail. We left at 7 am and were the only ones on the trail.

Start out heading downhill until you reach the Spruce Tree House Overlook trail. It is blocked off. Keep going down until you see the turn (on the left) for the Petroglyph Trail.

The next part involves a lot of uphill climbing along rock formations. It’s a great way to break a sweat while enjoying the many birds and the sweet breeze.

Narrow spaces are abundant hiking Mesa Verde National Park Petroglyph Trail.

Expect to maneuver through narrow rocks and descend small rock steps. Just before heading uphill to the mesa top, you’ll come to the petroglyphs on your left.

We loved standing there and taking in the hundreds of year-old pictures etched on the massive cliff walls.

As you leave the petroglyphs, the trail can be a little difficult to find. Look for the yellow ribbons on trees to guide you to the top of the mesa.

This hike is a fantastic option among the Mesa Verde hiking trails and is one of the best experiences of Mesa Verde National Park hiking.

The trail is rated as moderate to difficult, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

The payoff at the end is well worth the effort, as you'll be rewarded with a glimpse into the artistic and cultural traditions of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

PRO TIP! Go early, go slow and soak in the views. Every ranger we talked to said this trail is Mesa Verde National Park hiking at its best. We agree!

Many of the hiking trails in Mesa Verde National Park start near the museum.

Explore the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

The Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Mesa Verde National Park. *The Petroglyph trailhead is to located right near the museum.

The museum features exhibits on the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived in the area for over 700 years, as well as artifacts and interactive displays that bring their story to life.

Visitors can also watch a short film about the park’s history and take a self-guided tour of the nearby Spruce Tree House, one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the park. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the fascinating history of Mesa Verde.

Along the same loop as Spruce Tree House Overlook, enjoy decades-old exhibits on the ancient Native American culture at this museum. See how our understanding of how Ancient Puebloans lived has changed over the years.

ranger talk at mesa verde national park — Ranger Carolyn was an excellent story teller!

Attend a Ranger Program

One of the best ways to fully experience Mesa Verde National Park is to attend a ranger program.

These programs are led by knowledgeable park rangers who provide insight into the history, culture, and natural features of the park.

Programs range from guided hikes to evening campfire talks, and are available for visitors of all ages.

Check the park’s website or visitor center for a schedule of upcoming programs and events. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about Mesa Verde and its fascinating history.

For example, check out their ranger evening programs.

Mesa Top Loop Road

Just 6 miles long, the Mesa Top Loop Road carries you past archaeological sites and overlooks — don’t miss Sun Point Overlook with stellar panoramic views.

You will also see places to pull over and take a paved trail to view several archeological sites and overlooks of Mesa Verde cliff dwellings. Bring binoculars to view the homes of Ancestral Pueblo people who resided here over 700 years.

Don’t miss the Square Tower House Overlook, plus special views of Cliff Palace from Sun Point View and Sun Temple.

Download the audio tour and listen in your car or on your phone as you drive the Mesa Top Loop.

Some of our favorite sites to stop along the way included:

Square Tower House Overlook (AD 1200 - 1300) *This is the tallest structure in Mesa Verde National Park.
Pit Houses and Pueblos (AD 700 - 950) *Kivas built into the ground, these round circular homes are amazing to view.
Sun Temple (AD 1250) *The last known build in the area before the great migration, the structure of this standing temple is astounding to view.
Soda Canyon Overlook Trail *This is the only way you’ll see the Balcony House if you did not sign up for a tour.

Visit the Far View Sites

One of the hidden gems of Mesa Verde National Park is the Far View Sites.

These sites are a collection of ancient dwellings and structures that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

The sites are located on top of a mesa and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the sites, which include a kiva, a pit house, and several other structures.

Be sure to bring your camera, as the views from the Far View Sites are some of the most breathtaking in the park.

Long House on Whetherill Mesa Loop

2024 UPDATE! The Wetherill Mesa area of Mesa Verde National Park is closed for 2024 to build a new visitor station. The old one was damaged by the Pony Fire in 2000.

If you just can’t get enough of Mesa Verde cliff dwellings, plan a second day for touring Long House on the completely separate Whetherill Mesa loop.

Mesa Verde Long House is the most intimate tour, and a standalone day trip since it sits on a completely different mesa in the park.

Mesa Verde NPS.Gov Map of Wetherill Mesa

Allow over an hour to drive from the park’s visitor center.

Long House is the second largest cliff dwelling in the park, with Cliff Palace being the largest.

Long House contains 150 rooms and 21 kivas. You will also see a large dance plaza. It is believed that about 100 to 150 people may have lived in Long House during the 13th century.

Tickets for this one hour ranger tour ($8 each) are required for Long House. This tour involves 2.25 miles of hiking and climbing two 15 foot ladders. Note that it is a 20 minute hike from the Wetherill Mesa Kiosk to reach the Long House trailhead where you will meet the ranger for your tour.

Tour tickets can be purchased 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.

VIew of Mesa Verde Park can’t be beat from the Far View Lodge in the park.

Where to stay

Tanya’s family stayed two nights in the Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites in nearby Cortez, just 12 minutes away from the Mesa Verde park entrance. We appreciated the laundry facilities, free hot breakfast, and the City Market grocery store just across the street.

The kitschy Retro Inn at Mesa Verde is super clean and fits the bill.

Prefer a vacation home? Stay in this modern home with fantastic views in nearby Cortez.

far view terrace — Grab a coffee before heading out for a day of Mesa Verde National Park hiking and exploring.

PRO TIP: Cool off in the newly renovated Cortez public pool (next to the city park) after touring the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings. Then order some five star take-out dinner from Thai Cortez.

Melody and her husband stayed at the Far View Resort, just minutes from the Cliff Palace. Staying in the park allowed them to enjoy early morning Mesa Verde National Park hiking without the hot sun and experience beautiful sunset moments within the park. Nearby Mancos Brewing Company has some amazing craft beers and great pizza!

PRO TIP: The Far View Terrace has an espresso and coffee bar that opens at 7 am. It's the best coffee you'll find for miles around!

Durango is an hour drive away, a great stop for those who are dividing their time between Mesa Verde National Park and more western Colorado adventures. Purgatory Resort is about a 15 minute drive outside Durango, giving you access to mountain trails, places to eat, and cooler temperatures in the heat of summer.

Looking for home comfort? Stay in this new family-friendly home in downtown Durango.

Head to the Cortez Colorado pool to cool off after your Mesa Verde hike

Mesa Verde National Park Camping and Lodging

For sleeping inside Mesa Verde National Park, camp at Morefield Campground or stay in the Far View Lodge. Open seasonally and the only place to lodge inside Mesa Verde, Far View Lodge holds 150 rooms and is 15 miles from the park entrance.

PRO TIP: Last minute cancellations come up often at the Far View Lodge. Melody was able to get a BOGO for 2 nights stay. Rooms have AC, hot water, clean beds and WiFi.

Discover dozens of fabulous RV Parks & Campgrounds near Dolores, Colorado. Such a gorgeous river valley!

Or, rent a Class C RV for your next camping adventure.

Best time to go to Mesa Verde

The weather for Mesa Verde National Park is most pleasant in the spring and the fall. Summer temps can sometimes soar past 100 degrees (F), and winter lows may plunge into the teens.

When Tanya’s family visited in June, it was warm, but planned our Mesa Verde ranger tours for optimal shady times and took advantage of Cortez’s city pool.

Summer means crowds at Mesa Verde, while snow in the winter makes accessing points in the park more difficult.

That being said, all of the cliff dwellings are closed in the Winter and early Spring.

If you want to take a ranger led tour through both Cliff Palace and Balcony House, visit the park May 28 through mid October.

Visit Mesa Verde National Park website’s listing of operational updates to stay up to date on openings and closings.

NOTE: Although the cliff dwellings are closed in winter and early spring, the overlooks are usually accessible and provide spectacular views, so there is still a lot to see and do in the park.

The best hot springs near Mesa Verde National Park - Durango Hot Springs

What is near Mesa Verde National Park?

Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is located in one of the most beautiful parts of Colorado.

A lot of road tripping folks coming from the east never delve this far into Colorado, but when they do, they fall in love with the Swiss-like mountains and various outdoor adventures of southwest Colorado.

Picture unique national parks, hot springs galore, 4X4 trips, old ghost mining towns, wonderful hikes to alpine lakes, the Million Dollar Highway, and so much more.

Durango is a wonderful town to visit, with fabulous restaurants, Segment 24 of the Colorado Trail, stunning alpine lake hikes and the Durango Hot Springs. Melody and her husband spent 2 nights at Mesa Verde, moving on to Durango for 2 more days of hiking, hot spring soaking, mountain pass driving and SUPing on local lakes.

What are you most excited to explore in Mesa Verde and southwest Colorado? Feel free to ask questions - we love to help!

Mesa Verde National Park Hiking