Mesa Verde National Park

Overview

For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 27 Pueblos and Tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past. This World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park is home to over a thousand species, including several that live nowhere else on earth.

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

The Roosevelt connection

Protected by T.R.

• June 29, 1906: as President, Theodore Roosevelt signed the act creating Mesa Verde National Park. The first national park set aside to preserve the works of people: the cliff dwellings and mesa-top villages of the Ancestral Puebloans. Roosevelt signed the act on June 29, 1906.
  nps.gov · npshistory.com · craterlakeinstitute.com · Roosevelt’s Public Lands

What to see and do

Activities

• Auto and ATV
• Scenic Driving
• Astronomy
• Stargazing
• Biking
• Road Biking
• Camping
• Food
• Guided Tours
• Hiking
• Junior Ranger Program
• Skiing
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Wildlife Watching
• Birdwatching
• Park Film
• Museum Exhibits
• Shopping
• Bookstore and Park Store

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Mesa Verde National Park Hours: The park is open daily except for emergency conditions. Ancestral sites, picnic areas, and trails are open 8 am to sunset. Some park areas including Wetherill Mesa, campground, and other visitor services are closed during winter. Cliff dwelling tours are mid-May through late October. Reservations are required and available 14 days in advance of tour date online at www.recreation.gov.

Fees and passes

• Entrance - Private Vehicle — $30.00
• Entrance - Motorcycle — $25.00
• Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
• Entrance - Private Vehicle — $20.00
• Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
• Entrance - Motorcycle — $15.00
• Annual Entrance - Park — $55.00

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation lands across all four agencies.

Getting there

Mesa Verde National Park is in Southwest Colorado. The park entrance and the Visitor and Research Center are located ten miles east of Cortez, nine miles west of Mancos, and about 35 miles west of Durango, Colorado along Hwy 160. Mesa top ancestral sites, Cliff dwellings, tours, and the Mesa Verde Museum are 20 to 21 miles (approximately 45 minutes) south along the park road which which is steep, narrow, and winding.

Visitor centers

• Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center
• Mesa Verde Museum

Campgrounds

• Morefield Campground (267 sites) — reserve

Weather

SPRING: This season offers a range of weather including clear skies, wind, rain, cloudy days and temperatures from 40–70°F (4–21° C). Snow may fall into May. SUMMER: Most days are sunny and temperatures can reach above 90°F (32°C) . Thunderstorms are common in July and August. FALL: Temperatures range from 50–75°F (10–24°C). Snow may fall as early as October. WINTER: Temps range from the teens to low 30s F (below -1°C) . Icy roads are common. Snow tires, all-wheel drive, or chains may be required.

Phone: 970-529-4465

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Pair it with

• Yucca House National Monument NPS · 12 miles
• Canyons of the Ancients National Monument BLM · 28 miles
• Hovenweep National Monument NPS · 32 miles
• Aztec Ruins National Monument NPS · 38 miles
• San Juan National Forest USFS · 48 miles
• Chimney Rock National Monument USFS · 64 miles