Our Favorite 3-Day Itinerary Mesa Verde Lodge and Tours Mancos Colorado

Things to do

Our Favorite 3-Day Itinerary

Set out on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Mesa Verde. Our favorite 3-day itinerary is your perfect guide to discovering ancient cliff dwellings, awe-inspiring vistas, and the deep cultural heritage of this one-of-a-kind national park. Every moment brings a new story, a deeper connection, and a chance to walk in the footsteps of history—one incredible day at a time.

Day of Arrival – Hello Mesa Verde and Far View Lodge!

Welcome to an ancient culture

Located adjacent to the park entrance, the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, featuring historic Native American jewelry, pottery, and basket displays, is a great place to begin your journey.

Enjoy an unforgettable dinner

Breathtaking views and fabulous meals are always on the menu at the award-winning Metate Room in Far View Lodge. Voted one of Colorado's top 10 restaurants, the Metate Room menu is a cultural celebration, blending heritage foods with contemporary favorites, sommelier services, and an extensive wine list.

Relax, Unwind, and take in the views

After a delicious meal, relax on your private balcony and enjoy views up to 100 miles and across four states. Wildlife sightings are guaranteed! Embrace the calming silence (TV-and-cell phone-free) as you settle in at Far View Lodge, the only lodging inside of Mesa Verde National Park.

1st Full Day - Step (Way) Back into History

A HEARTY START TO A BUSY DAY
Enjoy an enticing selection of breakfast favorites at the Far View Terrace.

Absorb the culture, re-live the history

On the amazing 700 Years Tour, you'll visit sites that represent the time frame of CE 600 to CE 1300. Follow these historical experts and gain insights into the heritage of Mesa Verde National Park as you explore its spectacular sites and discover the culture. Four hours in duration, this tour is an absolute must when visiting Mesa Verde.

Enjoy a fabulous patio lunch

Stop at Spruce Tree Terrace Café, located in the heart of Mesa Verde National Park, for favorite American classics and Southwest specialties. Convenient cafeteria service with indoor and patio dining offering a seasonally updated menu filled with fresh, delicious appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. Be sure not to miss our popular Navajo tacos!

Head for the hills!

Hiking in Mesa Verde National Park is plentiful (and awesome!) with numerous trails offering a perfect hike for the novice and a day’s hike for the experienced. One of our famous hiking trails is the Petroglyph Point Trail, 2.4 miles round trip, begins from the Spruce Tree House trail, follows the bottom of Spruce Tree Canyon, turns up Spruce Canyon, and returns to the museum via the picnic area. Please note that hiking at Mesa Verde is restricted and allowed only on designated trails.

Dinner On The Terrace at Mesa Verde Lodge and Tours Mancos Colorado USA

Lunch on the terrace

At the day's end, enjoy a relaxing lunch at Far View Terrace. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Far View Terrace. Casual self-serve dining features hot and cold foods with a southwestern flair – including soups, salads, burgers, desserts, and beverages. Our house specialty is Navajo Tacos. We make every effort to offer sustainable foods that are grown and harvested with respect for the land.

2nd Full Day - Cliff Dwellings, Scavenger Hunts, and More!

FUEL UP FOR A BUSY DAY
Breakfast at Mesa Mocha Espresso Bar at Far View Terrace is a great way to begin the day.

Step back in time

15 miles into the most remote part of the park lies Wetherill Mesa, featuring spectacular views of mountain ranges and desert plateaus and the stunning Mesa Verde Long House cliff dwelling. Purchase tickets for 90-minute tours of Long House at Mesa Verde National Park Visitor and Research Center prior to entering the park.

Who doesn't love a scavenger hunt!

Looking for something to do with the kids? Four and a half miles from the park entrance, stop by the Morefield Campground for the Morefield Explorer Scavenger Hunt. Enjoy exploring its flora, fauna, and archaeology by biking, hiking or driving to locate 30 information stations. Receive a prize after learning about many of the Mesa Verde National Park plants, animals, and history.

Enjoy an early dinner – you've earned it

Dinner at the award-winning Metate Room is always a memorable part of the day. Winner of the American Culinary Federation award for sustainable cuisine, the Metate Room's menu features heritage foods in a contemporary presentation with a comprehensive wine list that includes many fine Colorado Wines.

A perfect end to an unforgettable day

Take an evening sunset stroll along the Mesa Top pathways and enjoy the spectacular stars and the wildlife.

We Meet Again at Mesa Verde Lodge and Tours Mancos Colorado USA

Day of Departure - Until We Meet Again

Choose your breakfast setting
Enjoy a fantastic breakfast at any of our restaurants.

Bring a little bit of Mesa Verde home
You’ll find beautiful, handcrafted jewelry, Navajo rugs, exquisite pottery, and a great selection of souvenir apparel at any of our four gift shops.

Just before you leave...
Stop at Park Point, the highest point in the park at 8500 feet elevation, at mile marker 10, as you depart Mesa Verde National Park. Bon voyage - see you again soon!

Reservations