Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado · Montezuma County · Ticket Facility
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 not…
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
Photos
People climb a large wooden ladder up a sheer rock face towards a stone building with wooden beams protruding from the walls. — Judy Rosey - Share the ExperienceLarge stone walls and rooms surround a plaza space in a rock alcove. — Joe Pagano - Share the ExperienceA brightly colored lizard with green, yellow, red, brown, tan, and black coloring sits on black rocks. — Katie Crocker - Share the Experience Photo ContestA tall sandstone tower stands above smaller rooms against a rock wall. — Connor Beekman - Share the Experience Photo ContestA series of stone doorways with sandstone walls on both sides line up in a straight line. — Claudia Burville - Share the Experience Photo ContestStars of the Milky Way and lit clouds soar above a large cliff dwelling in a major alcove under a mesa lined with trees. — Scott_Reynolds - Share the Experience Photo ContestStone buildings line a rock alcove; a long canyon under a cloudy sky extends to the right. — NPS PhotoA rainbow emerges from dark blue clouds and streamers of rain on a tree-covered landscape. — Mark_Hoffman - Share the Experience Photo ContestA uniformed NPS Park Ranger stands and talks in front of many stone buildings in a large rock alcove. — Heather Pope - Share the ExperienceA canyon dotted with trees is topped with several alcoves and stone buildings under a blue sky with scattered clouds. — Joe Pagano - Share the Experience Photo Contest
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.
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: [email protected].
