About MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK
Overview:Mesa Verde, Spanish for green table, offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to A.D. 1300. Today, the park protects over 4,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States. Road work is expected during the spring and summer. Plan extra travel time within the park.Natural Features:test
How to Get There
Plane The nearest airports are Cortez, Colorado, Durango, Colorado, and Farmington, New Mexico. Car Mesa Verde National Park is located 10 miles east of Cortez, Colorado and 7 miles west of Mancos, Colorado, on US Highway 160. Although the park entrance is adjacent to US Highway 160, allow 45 minutes to drive from the park entrance to the tour sites. Public Transportation There is no public transportation to Mesa Verde National Park. The closest bus station is in Durango, Colorado, 35 miles west. Getting Around A vehicle is needed to see Mesa Verde. The first view of a cliff dwelling is 21 miles (approximately 45 minutes) past the entrance station along a steep, narrow, winding road. Non campers must leave all towed vehicles at the trailer overflow lot near the park entrance. Vehicles on Wetherill Mesa are restricted to less than 8,000 pounds and 25-feet in length.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK
Heading to MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK?
No central reservation system listed for MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233362) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK?
Plane The nearest airports are Cortez, Colorado, Durango, Colorado, and Farmington, New Mexico. Car Mesa Verde National Park is located 10 miles east of Cortez, Colorado and 7 miles west of Mancos, Colorado, on US Highway 160. Although the park entrance is adjacent to US Highway 160, allow 45 minutes to drive from the park entrance to the tour sites. Public Transportation There is no public transp…
How do I contact MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-529-4465 or email: MEVE_general_information@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources
