Discover Mesa Verde National Park

NPS Visitor Guides

Discover the Ancestral Pueblo culture and walk through time at Mesa Verde National Park. Cliff dwellings were home to these people for 700 years until a sudden and unexplained movement to other lands surrounding the Four Corners Region. Mesa Verde, Spanish for green table, protects thousands of archaeological sites and some of the largest and best preserved cliff dwellings in the US.

Today the park provides a complete experience with outstanding accommodations and activities for all types of groups. Be sure to look into Mesa Verde’s guided tours. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the park to get off the beaten path. Accommodations within the park include dining, camping, and lodging. However, it is best to plan on an entire day at the park to experience the most Mesa Verde National Park has to offer.

Fun at Mesa Verde National Park does not stop there! Southwest Colorado boasts a multitude of attractions, outdoor adventures, and scenic tours. Visit Durango, just one hour away, and ride the Historic Narrow Gauge Railroad or take a guided raft trip on the Animas River. Finally, head north and explore the historic mining towns of Silverton and Ouray where jeep roads cross through the high alpine of the San Juan Mountains.

Mesa Verde National Park Tour

The Mesa Verde National Park Tour is a full day professionally guided tour of the most spectacular places to visit in the park. Departing Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday from Durango, CO. Park fees, ranger-guided dwelling tours, transportation, and a great deli lunch are all included. Private Tours are available any day! Read more about tours…

Family Activities at Mesa Verde

There are many tours and activities that are great for families at Mesa Verde. The Junior Ranger Station and Program are just a start. Some tours in the park involve climbing tall ladders or long hikes that are not recommended for small children. Read more… The surrounding areas also offer great activities for families with kids of all ages! Read more about family activities…

Mesa Verde Webcam at Spruce Tree House

View the live webcam of Spruce Tree House provided by Mesa Verde National Park. Sitting on Chapin Mesa, Spruce Tree House offers centralized access, self-guided, and ranger-guided tours. 2017 UPDATE: Spruce Tree House will be closed for the unforeseeable future due to unstable walls and rockfall in the dwelling. It can still be viewed from the overlook at the Museum.

Videos About Mesa Verde National Park

CREDIT: NPS/Kayla Eiler

CREDIT: History Channel

CREDIT: NPS/Kayla Eiler

Mesa Verde Information

Special Tours for Photographers
Mesa Verde Park Staff is offering two special tours for Summer 2017! There will be four special sunrise tours of Balcony House and Twilight Tours of Cliff Palace everyday May 26 – Sept 9. These tours will offer a unique oppoerunity to capture these spectacular cliff...
Petroglyph Point Trail Hike
The Petroglyph Point Trail is a lovely excursion for the active bunch to do while visiting Mesa Verde. The 2.4 mile trail is a good activity to do during the heat of the day. The majority of the trail and most strenuous part is shaded, ending...
Step House on Wetherill Mesa
This self-guided tour of Step House on Wetherill Mesa is quick and accessible from the trail, 3/4 mile in length that loops the dwelling. We recommend doing this either at the beginning or end of the day due to the high sun exposure of the trail...