Mesa Verde National Park

Travel Guide

Mesa Verde National Park which includes a gorge or canyon, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Mesa Verde National Park which includes signage
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park which includes land animals
Mesa Verde National Park

View prehistoric ruins standing untouched beneath the cliff edges. The soft, flowing sandstone canyons here are a beautiful sight.

Marvel at perfectly preserved remains of Ancestral Pueblo communes that date back thousands of years. Clamber up wooden ladders and through tunnels to reach superb vantage points for gazing across Mesa Verde National Park.

Hidden among the vast sandy plains of southwestern Colorado, this majestic location features one of the oldest examples of early human life in North America. Ancestral Puebloans lived here between A.D. 600 and 1300 before leaving behind approximately 5,000 sites including 600 cliff dwellings.

Set off with your guide on a 1-hour tour departing from the park’s visitor center. Start at the Chapin Mesa area of the park where you will find the highest concentration of sites, including Cliff Palace. Climb the five ladders to access this astonishing network of buildings dug into the canyon. The 150 rooms built from sandstone and wood beams once provided shelter for close to 100 people.

Back at ground level continue east along the path toward Balcony House. Getting here means climbing numerous ladders and staircases. As the name suggests, this settlement provides splendid views, particularly toward Soda Canyon’s jagged path through the sandstone. This dwelling is smaller, consisting of 40 rooms and several small plazas.

Access nearby Spruce Tree Hill more easily. Constructed during the 13th century, this dwelling was discovered in 1888 by local ranchers while searching for stray cattle. It is set into a natural alcove just above ground and features ceremonial chambers as well as small homes.

Before you leave, investigate the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. Study a selection of detailed dioramas to understand what life was like for the Ancestral Puebloans and see rare artifacts including tools used to hunt and eat. To learn more, attend an evening ranger talk at Morefield Amphitheater.

The entrance to Mesa Verde National Park is approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) west of Durango. The park is open year-round and there is a small admission fee.

U.S. national parks offer affordable adventure for all types of travelers and frequently provide fascinating history lessons. Enjoy your trip to Mesa Verde National Park as you learn about your predecessors in North America.

Far View Lodge

Far View Lodge

2 out of 5
Mile Marker 15, inside, Mesa Verde National Park, CO
The price is €98 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
€98
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in Mesa Verde National Park. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"We loved this hotel, in spite of the fact that it is in need of renovations. They seem to need more employees. The linens were not completely clean and we could hear EVERY word the guests in next room spoke. It is a beautiful spot, and staff was friendly. I hope the needed renovations and repairs ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Far View Lodge
Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez

Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez

2 out of 5
430 N State Hwy 145, Cortez, CO
The price is €71 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
€71
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Cortez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Nice, clean place."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez
Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez by IHG

2.5 out of 5
2121 E Main St, Cortez, CO
The price is €131 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
€131
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cortez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"The staff was great! We had booked one night through Cheap Tickets and needed to add on another night, but there were no rooms available on CT. So I called and the girl at that desk was able to do a separate reservation and made sure the rest of the staff new we had two different reservations but ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quiet charming 3-bedroom house in central Cortez with WiFi and central air.

Quiet charming 3-bedroom house in central Cortez with WiFi and central air.

2 out of 5
Cortez
Stay at this vacation home in Cortez. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez and Clay ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"The house was a great fit for our 7 people (4 adults, 3 kids). We were able to cook for ourselves and sleep comfortably."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Quiet charming 3-bedroom house in central Cortez with WiFi and central air.
'Dolorable' Home w/ Yard - Walk to River!

'Dolorable' Home w/ Yard - Walk to River!

Dolores
Stay at this cottage in Dolores. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Dolores River and Rio Grande Southern Railroad ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
"Cute Place bigger then it looks we had a great time thank you"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

'Dolorable' Home w/ Yard - Walk to River!
Peaceful Mancos Hideaway: Only 1 Mi to Downtown!

Peaceful Mancos Hideaway: Only 1 Mi to Downtown!

Mancos
Stay at this vacation home in Mancos. Enjoy furnished patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Mancos Wayside Park and Pioneer ...
10/10 Exceptional! (80 reviews)
Relaxation at it’s finest
"Our stay was incredible! We really enjoyed this beautiful property and the scenery is amazing!"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Peaceful Mancos Hideaway: Only 1 Mi to Downtown!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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