History Unfolds Before Your Eyes at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado

In Colorful Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park not only offers stunning, mesmerizing views, but it also gives visitors a small glimpse into life hundreds of years ago. This fascinating national park in southwest Colorado has something for everyone including remarkable cliff dwellings, gorgeous hikes, breathtaking overlooks, and excellent camping. Spending just a few days in Mesa Verde National Park will tell you an inspiring story of the Ancestral Pueblo people that no history book can tell.

Practical tips for visiting Mesa Verde National Park

General Information

Accessibility: Many tours and hikes to the cliff dwellings around Mesa Verde National park feature narrow, dangerous trails and steep climbs, making it difficult for those with vision and mobility impairments. However, there are scenic overlooks throughout the park that wheelchairs can access with little assistance. The visitor’s center is easily accessible to visually, hearing, and mobility impaired individuals. Wheelchairs with wide-rim wheels are recommended on many of the trails and in various areas of the park.

Pet Friendly: Pets are allowed in Mesa Verde National Park but there is a long list of limitations that must be obeyed. You cannot bring your pet on any trail, tour, archeological site, or building. You may not leave your pet unattended in your vehicle as you explore the attractions within the park. Although, if you must bring your pet to the park, there is a full-day boarding kennel at Morefield Campground, making it easy to still get the most from your visit.

Parking: You will find parking at many of the major attractions within the national park. There are also many scenic overlooks and pull-off areas on the main roads to park and enjoy. Trailers, campers, and RVs are not allowed on the main roads past the Morefield Campground, which is four miles inside Mesa Verde National Park.

Seasonal Access: Mesa Verde National Park is open year-round. However, there may be some roads and attractions that are closed due to weather, construction, and other circumstances. Depending on the season, roads, scheduled tours, and buildings may change operating hours. You can visit the National Park Service website for all current hours and road closures.

Cost: The cost to enter Mesa Verde National Park varies by season. During the late fall, winter, and early spring months, a private vehicle costs $20. From May 1 to October 31, each vehicle costs $30. This fee allows you to enter the park for up to seven days. This national park does not accept cash.

History of Mesa Verde National Park

Approximately 1,400 years ago, the Pueblo people moved to the present-day Four Corners region. Over time, they built their homes and community in the canyon walls of the Mesa Verde area. Experts know of 26 tribes that have some connection with Mesa Verde National Park.

In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt established Mesa Verde National Park to preserve this fascinating culture. Today, you can step inside and see what life was like for the Pueblo people.

Cliff Dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park

A visit to many of the cliff dwellings in this national park is a must-do. However, most cliff dwellings are not self-guided. You must request a ticket to tour the cliff dwellings with a park ranger.

The Spruce Tree House is one of the most popular and well-preserved cliff dwellings in the national park. Experts estimate this cliff dwelling was constructed between the years 1211 and 1278. It contains 130 rooms and up to 80 people lived in this house. You can view the Spruce Tree House from an overlook near the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. A short, but steep trail can also give you delightful view of the house.

For a slower, quieter visit to the cliff dwellings, visit the Step House. The Step House is the only self-guided cliff dwelling in the park. Wear adequate hiking shoes and bring some water as you must climb a steep trail on Wetherill Mesa to this cliff dwelling.

Hiking at Mesa Verde National Park

To truly see all that this national park has to offer, spend some time outside of the car. There are several hiking trails around Mesa Verde National Park for all skill levels and ages. The Petroglyph Point Trail, for example, is a 2.4-mile round-trip trail that you do not want to miss. However, this hiking trail is not for the faint of heart. This Colorado trail will not only provide magnificent views of the Spruce and Navajo Canyons, but you’ll walk along steep cliffs and climb a large staircase to view historic petroglyphs.

If you are looking for an easy hiking trail with gorgeous views, the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail is a winner. This 1.2-mile round-trip trail offers impressive views of the Balcony House.

On the Mesa Top Loop Road, you can drive along history. This short 6-mile road gives you incredible views of many cliff dwellings. You will find several short, paved, and accessible trails along this road this will give you beautiful views — I strongly recommend taking your time in this area of the park. The view of Cliff Palace, as shown in the image below, is one of the more popular attractions along this road.

Cliff Palace is definitely not a small cliff dwelling. Experts believe this was once home to approximately 100 people. It contains 150 rooms and 23 kivas.

Where to stay in Mesa Verde National Park

After a day full of adventure and history, the night sky at Mesa Verde will take your breath away.

Stay close to the sights and have your own personal experience in the Mesa Verde area by staying overnight at the Morefield Campground. This is the only campground within this Colorado national park and is open for tents, RVs, and trailers. In the Morefield area, you’ll find Morefield’s full-service village, which features a gas station, laundry site, showers, gift shop, grocery store, and RV dumping station. Reservations are strongly recommended and it is seasonal.

There are no lodges or hotels within this national park. However, you may consider a stay at Far View Lodge, located approximately 15 minutes outside of the park entrance. We also recommend booking a stay in a cozy vacation rental.

Is Mesa Verde Worth Visiting?

No matter where you explore inside the park, you will expand your knowledge and learn a little more about history and this fascinating ancient group of people. Mesa Verde National Park not only offers the most remarkable scenery, but the history of this area is intriguing. A visit to this national park takes you on a journey that you will never forget.

You can learn more about Mesa Verde National Park on the National Park Service website. If you wish to visit this national park and several others around the country, I strongly recommend purchasing a National Parks annual pass. This is one item I purchase every single year. And if you need any new hiking or camping gear for your adventure, I love the options at REI, especially this camping blanket. I may have multiples!

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