Mesa Verde National Park Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mesa Verde National Park featuring landscape views, a gorge or canyon and tranquil scenes
Mesa Verde National Park featuring signage
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park featuring 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 centre. 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 Amphitheatre.

The entrance to Mesa Verde National Park is approximately 35 miles (56 kilometres) 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 travellers 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 ₹9,017 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
₹9,017
₹9,881 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Ants in bathroom area (not many) The bathroom door very hard to open/close because not enough space under door"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Far View Lodge
Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez

Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez

2 out of 5
430 N State Hwy 145, Cortez, CO
The price is ₹6,905 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹6,905
₹7,550 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Cortez. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Extremely friendly ,clean rooms, very spacious . Will definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez
Baymont by Wyndham Cortez

Baymont by Wyndham Cortez

2.5 out of 5
2279 Hawkins, Cortez, CO
The price is ₹12,231 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹12,231
₹12,879 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Cortez. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,265 reviews)
"Easy online check-in and check-out, friendly staff, and lovely location!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Cortez
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.
Dolores Ranch Cabin w/ Hot Tub & 1-acre Yard!

Dolores Ranch Cabin w/ Hot Tub & 1-acre Yard!

3 out of 5
18872 CR 33.6, Dolores, CO
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Dolores. Enjoy free parking and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Dolores River and Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum ...
"Nice quiet place to watch the eclipse. We loved sitting in the hot tub and seeing a fawn run by."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2023

Dolores Ranch Cabin w/ Hot Tub & 1-acre Yard!
14 Mi to Mesa Verde Nat'l Park: Cortez Ranch

14 Mi to Mesa Verde Nat'l Park: Cortez Ranch

3 out of 5
Cortez
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Cortez. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Crow Canyon Archaeological Center and Notah Dineh Trading Company and Museum are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Allowed me to be close to family .... enjoy time with family."

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2025

14 Mi to Mesa Verde Nat'l Park: Cortez Ranch
Cortez Casita w/ Hot Tub at Bella Vista Ranch

Cortez Casita w/ Hot Tub at Bella Vista Ranch

3 out of 5
Cortez, CO
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cortez. Enjoy free parking, patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez and Cortez Cultural ...
Cortez Casita w/ Hot Tub at Bella Vista Ranch
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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