About Mesa Verde
For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 27 Pueblos and Tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past. This World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park is home to over a thousand species, including several that live nowhere else on earth.
Things to do: Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Road Biking · Camping · Food · Guided Tours · Hiking · Junior Ranger Program · Skiing · Cross-Country Skiing · Snowshoeing
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. In the app, tap one to log it.
- Petroglyph Point Trail2.8 mi
- Spruce Canyon Trail2.1 mi
- Knife Edge Trail0.8 mi
- Soda Canyon Overlook Trail1.8 mi
Camping
Approximately 267 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (May – September).
Best time to visit
Peak season: May – September. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
SPRING: This season offers a range of weather including clear skies, wind, rain, cloudy days and temperatures from 40–70°F (4–21° C). Snow may fall into May. SUMMER: Most days are sunny and temperatures can reach above 90°F (32°C) . Thunderstorms are common in July and August. FALL: Temperatures range from 50–75°F (10–24°C).
Snow may fall as early as October. WINTER: Temps range from the teens to low 30s F (below -1°C) . Icy roads are common. Snow tires, all-wheel drive, or chains may be required.
Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Valid for 7 days.$30
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.$25
- Entrance - Per Person — Valid for 7 days.$15
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Purchase digital park entrance passes on recreation.gov at no additional cost. Once purchased, passes for Mesa Verde National Park must be printed or saved on your mobile device prior to use. Connectivity is limited in the park, therefore printing the permit or saving it on your phone is highly recommended. Passes, including the America the Beautiful, National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes, such as the Annual, Access, or Senior pass may be purchased at the entrance station upon arrival.$20
- Entrance - Per Person — Purchase digital park entrance passes on recreation.gov at no additional cost. Once purchased, passes for Mesa Verde National Park must be printed or saved on your mobile device prior to use. Connectivity is limited in the park, therefore printing the permit or saving it on your phone is highly recommended. Passes, including the America the Beautiful, National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes, such as the Annual, Access, or Senior pass may be purchased at the entrance station upon arrival.$15
Annual Entrance - Park: $55. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: Durango, CO. Park center: 37.180°, -108.490°.
Mesa Verde National Park is in Southwest Colorado. The park entrance and the Visitor and Research Center are located ten miles east of Cortez, nine miles west of Mancos, and about 35 miles west of Durango, Colorado along Hwy 160. Mesa top ancestral sites, Cliff dwellings, tours, and the Mesa Verde Museum are 20 to 21 miles (approximately 45 minutes) south along the park road which which is steep, narrow, and winding.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Mesa Verde National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30. Entrance - Motorcycle: $25. Entrance - Per Person: $15.
When is the best time to visit Mesa Verde?
Peak season is May – September. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. SPRING: This season offers a range of weather including clear skies, wind, rain, cloudy days and temperatures from 40–70°F (4–21° C). Snow may fall into May. SUMMER: Most days are sunny and temperatures can reach above 90°F (32°C) . Thunderstorms are common in July and August. FALL: Temperatures range from 50–75°F (10–24°C).
Can you camp in Mesa Verde National Park?
Yes — about 267 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Mesa Verde National Park?
Durango, CO is the nearest major city. Mesa Verde National Park is in Southwest Colorado. The park entrance and the Visitor and Research Center are located ten miles east of Cortez, nine miles west of Mancos, and about 35 miles west of Durango, Colorado along Hwy 160. Mesa top ancestral sites, Cliff dwellings, tours, and the Mesa Verde Museum are 20 to 21 miles (approximately 45 minutes) south along the park road which which is steep, narrow, and winding.
What are the best hikes in Mesa Verde?
Popular trails include Petroglyph Point Trail (2.8 mi), Spruce Canyon Trail (2.1 mi), Knife Edge Trail (0.8 mi), Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (1.8 mi). The park has roughly 80 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.