For more than 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde in southwest Colorado. Today, the park preserves these ancient cliff dwellings and expansive archaeological sites, protecting the rich cultural heritage of 27 Pueblos and Tribes. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park, Mesa Verde offers visitors a spectacular window into the past, alongside diverse plant and animal life found nowhere else on earth.

Mesa Verde National Park preserves over 5,000 archaeological sites, including famed cliff dwellings, mesa top ruins, and ancient artifacts. The park offers ranger-led tours, hiking, museums, and environmental beauty year-round. Reservations are required for cliff dwelling tours.

Plan Your Visit

Mesa Verde National Park is located near Cortez and Mancos, Colorado, and is open year-round, with some seasonal variations in access and activities. The park is best known for its well-preserved cliff dwellings and archaeological treasures but offers many ways for visitors to explore its history and natural beauty.

Key Visitor Centers and Routes

Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center: The first point of contact upon entering the park. Here visitors get orientation, trip planning assistance, and information on park tours and activities. The center is located off Highway 160 and is open year-round except on major holidays.
Mesa Verde Museum: Offers exhibits, a café, bookstore, and the official park film. The museum is near the park headquarters and provides deeper context for the Ancestral Pueblo culture.
Chapin Mesa: Home to the famous Cliff Palace and Balcony House dwellings, along with the Spruce Tree House and Mesa Verde Museum. This area has a high concentration of archaeological sites and is accessible via scenic park roads.
Wetherill Mesa: Known for its rugged beauty and sites such as Long House, where tours reveal remote and dramatic cliff dwellings. Access may be seasonal.
Park Headquarters: Central hub for park administration and additional visitor services.

Visitors can explore the park road, which stretches approximately 20 miles from the entrance to the major mesa top sites and cliff dwellings.

Cliff Dwelling Tours

To enter any of the park’s famous cliff dwellings, visitors must join a ranger-led tour and have a reservation. Tour seasons vary by site, generally running May through October, though Spruce Tree House offers walk-up tours when open.

Popular cliff dwellings requiring reservations include:

Cliff Palace
Balcony House
Spruce Tree House
Square Tower House
Long House

Learn how to make reservations and view tour schedules at the park website.

Hiking and Trails

Mesa Verde offers hiking for all skill levels, from short walks to backcountry adventures. Some trails lead to archaeological sites, while others explore the park’s natural beauty.

Spruce Tree House Trail: A short trail leading to one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the park.
Balcony House Tour Trail: Includes ladders and narrow passageways for an adventurous tour of this unique site.
Petroglyph Point Trail: A longer hike featuring ancient rock art and stunning views.
Mystery House Trail: Offers insight into Ancestral Pueblo life with ruins along the path.

Full hiking details, including trail maps and descriptions, are available online.

Camping and Lodging

While Mesa Verde does not have developed campgrounds, there are lodging options in nearby communities such as Cortez and Mancos. The park also provides information on regional camping and accommodations.

For more information on lodging and camping options, visit the park's trip planning resources.

Entrance Fees and Passes

An entrance fee or a valid pass is required to access the park. Mesa Verde accepts the America the Beautiful Pass, as well as offering its own annual pass. Discounts are available for seniors, military personnel, and families with fourth graders.

Detailed fee information and pass purchase options are available on the Mesa Verde website.

Important Contacts

Main Phone: 970-529-
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8, Mesa Verde National Park, CO
General Inquiries & Visitor Information: Contact Mesa Verde

Downloadable maps and additional park orientation materials can be found online to help you plan your route and time in the park.

History and Archaeology

Mesa Verde (“green table” in Spanish) preserves one of the most significant archaeological areas in the United States, safeguarding over 5,000 known sites including spectacular cliff dwellings, mesa top ruins, and artifacts.

Ancestral Pueblo People

From approximately A.D. 600 to 1300, the Ancestral Pueblo people inhabited the Four Corners region, building sophisticated communities that evolved from pithouses to elaborate stone and adobe structures. Mesa Verde showcases their ingenuity in architecture, agriculture, and community life.

The cliff dwellings, constructed primarily between A.D. 1190 and 1280, are some of the most iconic remains, illustrating how the people adapted to their environment for protection and resource management.

Archaeological Preservation

The park was established in 1906 to preserve these invaluable cultural resources. Today, Mesa Verde works in partnership with 27 Pueblos and Tribes to protect and interpret the heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Ongoing research, excavation, and preservation efforts ensure that this rich history remains accessible for future generations.

UNESCO and Cultural Recognition

Mesa Verde was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 in recognition of its outstanding universal value in preserving human history and culture. It is also recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, preserving natural nightscapes alongside archaeological treasures.

Ecology and Environment

Mesa Verde is home to over a thousand species of plants and animals, including several endemic species. The park’s varied topography—from mesas to canyons—supports diverse ecosystems and offers visitors a chance to experience both cultural and natural wonders.

Flora and Fauna

The park’s plant life includes pinyon pine, juniper, and various desert-adapted shrubs and wildflowers. Wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, lizards, and a variety of birds—including peregrine falcons and hawks—can be seen throughout the park.

Dark Skies and Natural Beauty

As an International Dark Sky Park, Mesa Verde offers exceptional opportunities for stargazing and experiencing pristine night skies. The park’s elevation and remote location make it ideal for observing stars, planets, and other celestial phenomena.

Conservation Efforts

Mesa Verde actively manages its natural resources to protect both cultural sites and ecological habitats. Efforts include controlling invasive species, wildfire management, and habitat restoration in collaboration with tribal partners and conservation organizations.

Additional Resources

Links

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Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025

National Parks

Mesa Verde National Park