Mesa Verde National Park

Hidden under cliff overhangs, the multi-storied ruins in Mesa Verde National Park once housed a thriving civilization. Wander the well-preserved archeological sites—from cliff dwellings to mesa-top structures—that dot the park’s desert landscape.

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Location

Mesa Verde National Park stretches for 52,000 acres in Colorado’s southwest corner.

Flora & Fauna

Glimpse mule deer, falcons, and many other species hidden among hardy shrubs and woodlands.

Did You Know?

There are 4,000 known archeological sites in Mesa Verde Park, including 600 cliff dwellings.

1-Day Itinerary

Start your Mesa Verde vacation with the 6-mile Mesa Top Loop Drive to see 12 easily accessible sites, including surface dwellings and cliff dwelling overlooks. Then, sign up for a tour of the Cliff Palace or Balcony House. A 4-hour tour will also include the surrounding area.

More Time?

Try the self-guided walking tour of Spruce Tree House, where you can descend a ladder into a kiva, a subterranean ceremonial structure.
Explore the exhibit-filled Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.
Take the tram ride to the trailhead, then take the 90-minute tour of Long House.

Know Before You Go

Key Mesa Verde National Park sites are closed during winter months.
Make Far View Visitor Center your first stop in Mesa Verde National Park. Here you’ll buy tickets to key sites and get an overview of the entire park.

Activities Near the Park

The small Yucca House National Monument is just 20 miles away. There’s a chance you’ll be the only ones at this collection of unexcavated, clay-brick ruins.

More Mesa Verde Park Info from NPF