If you’ve never been to Mesa Verde National Park, it’s helpful to have a plan to ensure you see and do it all on your vacation. We’ve put together our favorite 3-day itinerary that celebrates the wonder and grandeur of this one-of-a-kind place protecting thousands of archaeological sites, including hundreds of cliff dwellings. As you wander these same paths, travel through these same forests, and wonder at these same endless skies, Mesa Verde Country® will reward you with adventure at every turn.
And while you’re planning your visit, be sure to check out our Specials & Packages - we're bound to have a deal that suits your interest
Overlook Mesa Verde's Gorgeous Sunsets
Day of Arrival
HELLO MESA VERDE & FAR VIEW LODGE!
 |
WELCOME TO AN ANCIENT CULTURE Located adjacent to the park entrance, the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is a great place to begin your visit, featuring historic Native American jewelry, pottery, and basket displays. |
 |
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, featuring heritage foods together 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 across four states (up to 100 miles). Wildlife watching guaranteed! Enjoy the amazing silence (TV-and-cell phone-free) as you settle in at Far View Lodge, the only lodging inside of Mesa Verde National Park. |
Get an Up Close Experience with Cliff Dwellings
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 600AD to 1300AD. 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 day's end, enjoy a relaxing dinner at Far View Terrace. Casual self-serve dining features hot and cold foods with a southwestern flair – including soups, salads, burgers, desserts, and beverages. House specialty is Navajo Tacos. We make every effort to offer sustainable foods that are grown and harvested with respect for the land. |
Hike Around Cliff Dwellings and See Mesa Verde's Beauty
2nd Full Day
CLIFF DWELLINGS, SCAVENGER HUNTS, & 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 in 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. |
Meals with Stunning Views are a Mesa Verde Staple
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! |
