Reservations
Travel Tips for Timeless Treks
A visit to Mesa Verde National Park isn’t complete without exploring the iconic Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings. To help you plan, we’ve assembled everything you need—from sample itineraries and a packing list to lodging, dining, and tour details. While the park is open year-round, many services operate seasonally, so be sure to check ahead.
To help plan your Mesa Verde adventure, we've assembled sample itineraries, a packing list, travel tips, and area information. For first-time visitors, directions and the National Park Service Planning Guide are also available. Park entry is $15 per car from Memorial Day to Labor Day and $10 the rest of the year. Our team is here to ensure your visit is unforgettable.
- BrochuresBrochures
From the comfort of Far View Lodge to the scenic campsites at Morefield Campground, your stay in Mesa Verde promises unforgettable views and rich history. Dine on Southwest flavors at the Metate Room, explore ancient cliff dwellings, and let our brochures guide you through every incredible moment.
Taking one of our unique tours is a must when visiting Mesa Verde. A guided tour is the ultimate way to experience the history, culture and breathtaking beauty of Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage Site.
- Day TripsDay Trips
One spectacular site after another will fascinate and nurture your senses. Whether located on wide open plains or perched high in cliff faces - each site will intrigue you and give you a feeling of ancient human connection. As you wander the same paths, travel through the same forests, and wonder at the same endless skies, Mesa Verde Country® will reward you with adventure at every turn:
Hovenweep National Monument - Known for its unique square, oval, circular and D-shaped towers, Hovenweep National Monument is located west of Cortez on the Colorado-Utah border.
- Ute Tribal Park - Often referred to as "The Other Mesa Verde", the Ute Tribal Park contains spectacular cliff dwellings in a remote and undisturbed setting. This off-the-beaten track experience is led by Ute Indian guides who interpret the Ancestral Pueblo archaeology, Ancestral Pueblo and Ute rock art, and the more recent history of the Ute people. The mystical feeling on this tour is that you are the first to walk the ancient pathways and view the ancient sites.
- Anasazi Heritage Center - The Anasazi Heritage Center interprets the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people and is a must see for Mesa Verde Country® visitors. The Center features ancient pottery, interactive displays, changing exhibits, and special events, as well as two 12th century archaeological sites and a short interpretative walk.
- Upper Dolores Valley, Rico, and The Meadows - The headwaters of the Dolores River are high in the San Juan Mountains near Lizard Head Pass. This lazy day trip follows the river upstream to the beautiful West Fork Valley, past the Dunton Hot Springs Resort, traveling through The Meadows and tall aspens to meet Highway 145 above Rico. This day trip is especially spectacular in the fall.
- McPhee Lake- McPhee Lake is the second largest lake in Colorado and offers great fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and relaxing. There are fisherman access points, boat ramps, picnic and recreation areas all around the lake. The lake overlook offers a 360-degree panorama of four states and several mountain ranges.
- Trail of the Ancients - The Trail of the Ancients is a new 114-mile scenic/historic by-way in Southwest Colorado highlighting the long and intriguing occupation of the area by Native American peoples. This area is truly the archaeological heartland of America and takes you on a journey from the past to the future, and from adventure to understanding.
- Canyons of the Ancients - Canyons of the Ancients, declared a National Monument in 2000, covers almost 164,000 acres of high desert in the southwestern corner of Colorado. This area has the highest known archaeological site density in the nation, but many of the sites are in remote backcountry and most are covered with vegetation. The Visitor Center for the Canyons of the Ancients is located at the Anasazi Heritage Center, just outside Dolores, Colorado.
To learn more about these day trips and upcoming activities in the area, visitMesa Verde Country website.
- Packing ListPacking List
From exploring ancient cliff dwellings by day to relaxing in modern comfort at night, Mesa Verde offers a truly unique experience. To help make the most of your trip, we’ve created a convenient packing list with all the essentials. Stay comfortable, stay safe, and enjoy every moment of your Colorado adventure.
- Reservation confirmation paperwork and photo ID
- Water
- Water canister
- Sunscreen (summer months)
- Lip balm
- Bug spray
- Handiwipes
- Hat, sun visor, and/or sunglasses
- Seasonal clothing (with extra layers for cool evenings)
- Hiking boots
- Flip-flops
- Extra batteries
- Flashlight
- Binoculars
- Collapsible walking stick
- Camera and film or memory cards
- Video camera
- Daypack
- Journal
- Useful LinksUseful Links
Mesa Verde National Park Service
Nearby Airports