Mesa Verde National Park

Ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, carved into sandstone walls 800 years ago, include 600 preserved settlements within Colorado's rugged canyons and mesas.

4.5

out of 5

Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado contains over 5,000 archaeological sites from the Ancestral Pueblo civilization. You can walk through Cliff Palace's 217 rooms, climb ladders at Balcony House, or descend into ancient kivas (ceremonial chambers) at Long House. The park's deep canyons and 8,500-foot plateaus are home to elk, mountain lions, and rare plant species you won't find anywhere else in North America.

Getting to Mesa Verde

The park entrance lies on U.S. Route 160, 9 miles east of Cortez and 7 miles west of Mancos, Colorado. Begin at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center just before the entrance booths. From there, drive 20 miles to reach Chapin Mesa, where many of the main archaeological sites sit.

Exploring Ancient Dwellings

Cliff Palace, the largest dwelling, once held approximately 250 people within its 217 rooms and 23 kivas. You'll need tickets for ranger-guided tours to enter Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House. Most cliff dwellings contain 1-5 rooms, but these larger structures show how the Ancestral Pueblo people built complex multi-story buildings between 550 CE and 1300 CE.

Seasonal Activities

During summer, you can access both Chapin Mesa and Wetherill Mesa areas. Visit Step House on Wetherill Mesa to see both 600s-era dwellings and a 1220s pueblo, though this area closes in winter. In fall, red and gold piñon-juniper leaves contrast with the tan sandstone cliffs. Winter brings fewer visitors and clear views of the archaeological sites.

Wildlife and Natural Environment

At 8,500 feet elevation, distinct plant zones spread across the park's canyons and mesas. Piñon and juniper trees grow on mesa tops, while sagebrush covers canyon floors. You'll often see elk in meadows and might spot bears or mountain lions on trails. After sunset, the dark skies above Mesa Verde make it an ideal spot to view the Milky Way.

Practical Information

Stay at Far View Lodge during summer months or camp at Morefield Campground year-round. The Chapin Mesa Museum opens daily throughout the year. You can eat at the Mesa Verde Administrative District's café. Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes with good grip for walking on stone steps and trails.