National Park Guide

Mesa Verde National Park

Colorado, US

Explore remarkably preserved cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago.

52,485

Acres

Trails

1906

Established

560,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round (limited winter access)

Entrance Fee

$30 per vehicle

Nearest Airport

Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ), 15 minutes

Best Months

May, June, September

Highlights

Cliff Palace ranger-guided tour
Balcony House ladder and tunnel tour
Mesa Top Loop Road archaeological sites
Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum
Park Point panoramic overlook of four states

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Mesa Verde National Park

Petroglyph Point Trail

Moderate

2.4 miles round trip

200 ft gain

Spruce Canyon Trail

Moderate

2.4 miles round trip

500 ft gain

Knife Edge Trail

Easy

2.0 miles round trip

100 ft gain

Point Lookout Trail

Moderate

2.2 miles round trip

350 ft gain

Prater Ridge Trail

Strenuous

7.8 miles round trip

700 ft gain

About Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park protects nearly 5,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, making it the largest archaeological preserve in the United States. The Ancestral Puebloans lived and thrived here for over 700 years, building increasingly complex communities in the alcoves of sandstone cliffs. Cliff Palace, with 150 rooms and 23 kivas, is the largest cliff dwelling in North America. The park offers a profound connection to the ingenuity and culture of the people who once called this green mesa home.

In-Depth Guide

Mesa Verde Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Mesa Verde National Park. Top hikes, cliff dwelling tours, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Colorado's ancient civilization.

12 min read

Weather Overview

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Hotels

3 options near Mesa Verde National Park

Weather

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Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

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Where to Stay

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Far View Lodge

The only lodge inside Mesa Verde National Park with 150 rooms featuring southwestern decor, handcrafted furnishings, and no TVs for a peaceful experience. Open April through October with three on-site restaurants.

Inside park$150-280/night

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Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez

Highly rated hotel in Cortez just 10 minutes from the park entrance with free breakfast, indoor pool, gym, and rooms with mini-refrigerators and microwaves.

15 min drive$140-230/night

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Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez

Modern hotel just off Highway 160 with free breakfast, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and family-friendly rooms, 9 miles from the Mesa Verde Visitor Center.

15 min drive$120-210/night

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