Exploring Mesa Verde National ParkDiscover ancient cliff dwellings and rich indigenous history at Mesa Verde National Park. Explore ruins, scenic trails, and cultural heritage on a weekend adventure in Colorado's high desert 🏜️ **Note: cliff dwelling tours require a reservation (2 weeks in advance). Cover Image: Alec KrumAuthorskatherinebeard
DestinationsMesa Verde National ParkItinerary

Guided Excursions + Tours

Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch
Learn from experienced guides as they take you around the park. *Does not include tickets/tours, so book 2 weeks in advance.
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Mesa Verde Sunrise Tours
Listen and learn about the history of southwestern Colorado as you admire a golden sunrise over the mountains and mesas of the region.
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Mesa Verde Express Tour With Tickets To Cliff Palace
Book this tour for pre-booked tour tickets into the iconic Cliff Palace site. Enjoy learning from guides in a small group setting.
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Private Tour of Mesa Verde With an Archeologist-Trained Guide
Learn from professional guides as they take you around the hidden gems and iconic sites in the National Park, ensuring an answer to all of your questions.
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Things to See & Do

Mesa Verde Museum
Known for its concentration of well-preserved Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites (Cliff Palace, Spruce Tree House, and Balcony House). It serves as the gateway to the park, providing visitors with exhibits, educational programs, maps, and ranger-led tours!
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Wetherill Mesa
The less-trafficked side of the National Park. It houses the Long House and Step House cliff dwellings, along with a scenic 6-mile hiking or biking loop.
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Spruce Tree House
One of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Pueblo people. Take a ranger-guided tour or explore the area independently via the Spruce Canyon Trail (1.5 miles round-trip).
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Balcony House
Inhabited around 700 years ago, it features a balcony-like structure. Reservation required. The tour includes climbing a 32-foot ladder, crawling through a tunnel, and navigating narrow passages.
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Cliff Palace
One of the largest and most iconic cliff dwellings in North America. Reservation required. A moderately strenuous hike with uneven terrain, steep steps, and ladder climbs, covering ~0.5 miles round trip.
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Pithouses and Villages
Pithouses were made on top of the mesa. This is a great spot to explore the deeper, ancient pithouses (some of the oldest sites in the park).
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Petroglyph Point Trail
Leads you through CO landscapes while showcasing ancient petroglyphs, canyon views, and archaeological sites. 2.4 miles round-trip.
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Far View Tower
A 1-mile loop that winds through the archaeological sites of Far View Village and Pipe Shrine House.
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Far View House
A short, self-guided trail from the Far View Visitor Center, gives visitors the opportunity to explore a Puebloan village dating back over 800 years. ~0.3 miles round-trip.
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Mesa Top Loop
A loop road that takes you around to historic sites and several viewpoints of cliff dwellings in the park.
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Coyote Village
The only pueblo that you can walk through.
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Stays

Mancos Inn
Just 8 miles from the park, this spot is known for comfortability and affordability all in one.
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Far View Lodge
Only lodge located inside the National Park. Reservations required. Open from May 1st to September 30th.
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Morefield Campground
The only campground located inside the National Park. Complete with 15 RV hookups and 267 campsites. Open May 15 to October 19.
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Starry Nights Ranch Bed & Breakfast
A cozy B&B tucked into the Colorado mountains north of the National Park. Their delicious breakfasts will keep you fueled while exploring all day long.
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San Juan Dispersed Campsite
A bit farther out there are dispersed camping sites for visitors looking to stay out in the wild and for free.
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