How does one tour the ancient sites and cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde?
When can we get into Mesa Verde National Park?
How much is the entrance fee for Mesa Verde National Park?
When are different archaeological sites open in Mesa Verde?
How long will it take to see Mesa Verde National Park?
Are guided tours of Mesa Verde National Park available?
Is there lodging in Mesa Verde National Park?
Accessibility in Mesa Verde National Park?
How does one tour the ancient sites and cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde?
Comprehensive interpretive half-day ranger-guided bus tours are available for visitors wishing to share up-to-date knowledge of a variety of sites. A driver-guided tour to Far View and Mesa Topsites is also available. Other tours range from independent self-guided, to ranger-led walking tours and ranger-guided half-day bus tours. Many sites in Mesa Verde may be visited by individuals without a ranger/guide, free of charge. Ranger-led walking tours of Cliff Palace, Balcony House and Long House are available on varying schedules, admission ticket purchase required for a nominal fee.
Advance planning offers guests the best opportunities for a comprehensive experience.
The most successful trips to Mesa Verde National Park are planned at least two weeks prior to arrival. Cliff dwelling tickets are only available fourteen days in advance and sell out rapidly. Aramark half-day bus tours include Cliff Palace and are sold up to 48 hours prior to arrival.
When can we get into Mesa Verde National Park?
Mesa Verde is open 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day with limited access to sites during the off season.
How much is the entrance fee for Mesa Verde National Park?
The entrance fee for the park can be found here on the National Park Service website at https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/fees.htm
When are different archaeological sites open in Mesa Verde?
Two areas of the Mesa Verde National Park are open year-round: Spruce Tree House cliff dwelling and the Mesa Top Loop Road (weather permitting), which has early surface sites and mesa rim views of the cliff dwellings.
NOTE: Due to continued safety concerns related to rock falls, the site remains closed for the foreseeable future. Overlooks near the museum offer superb views of the cliff dwelling.
For dates and times please visit the National Park Service website.
- Ranger-Guided Bus Tours
- Cliff Palace Tours
- Balcony House Tours
- Wetherill Mesa Tours (including Long House)
- Admission tickets for individual ranger-guided dwellings (Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Long House) are sold at the Visitor Research Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
How long will it take to see Mesa Verde National Park?
Allow at least six hours in Mesa Verde, preferably more – plus driving time to and from the Park. Most visitors want at least an overnight and one full day to sightsee and hike. Two days with an overnight in the park is recommended to see both Wetherill and Chapin Mesa sites and enjoy one of Mesa Verde's spectacular hiking trails.
Are guided tours of Mesa Verde National Park available?
Yes. Half-day tours of Mesa Verde depart daily from Far View Terrace. Tours are fun and interactive, fully interpreted by Aramark NAI Certified guides aboard comfortable motorcoach transportation.
- "700 Years", our most popular tour is ranger-guided and shares current interpretation of the Ancestral Puebloan people. This 4-hour tour includes short hikes to archaeological sites along the Mesa Loop Road and a walking tour of Cliff Palace. Learn More>
Is there lodging in Mesa Verde National Park?
Yes! Mesa Verde National Park offers a variety of lodging styles. Far View Lodge, 15 miles inside the park, is the only lodging available inside the park. The lodge's 150 rooms offer stunning views from its 8250-foot elevation mid-April through mid-October. Camping in Mesa Verde is permitted at Morefield Campground, with over 267 campsites available early May through mid-October. Reservations are accepted for 15 full hook up sites, dry tent/RV sites and group campsites.
What is your pet policy?
Pets are not allowed on park trails or in archaeological sites, or in public buildings. However, pets are welcome in specific Standard rooms at Far View Lodge. A $50.00 deposit (refundable pending no excess cleaning or damage) and a fee of $10.00 per pet, per night, is required. Pets may not be left unattended in rooms or vehicles.
Accessibility in Mesa Verde National Park?
Mesa Verde National Park has accessibility limitations for people with vision, hearing, or mobility impairments. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.
