Mesa Verde National Park

Travel Guide

Mesa Verde National Park which includes tranquil scenes, a gorge or canyon and landscape views
Mesa Verde National Park featuring signage
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park featuring 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 centre. 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 Amphitheatre.

The entrance to Mesa Verde National Park is approximately 35 miles (56 kilometres) 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 travellers 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 S$197 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
S$197
4 Aug - 5 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! (1,001 reviews)
"We loved the Far View Lodge! We had a room with a view and the sunset was amazing. Clean room that kept with the Mesa Verde theme. If you are going to Mesa Verde, I would definitely recommend staying here! Shaves about 40 mins off your drive time to the hikes and cliff dwelling tours."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Far View Lodge
Baymont by Wyndham Cortez
Baymont by Wyndham Cortez
2.5 out of 5
2279 Hawkins, Cortez, CO
The price is S$169 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$169
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Cortez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,239 reviews)
"Very friendly staff! Quite helpful!"

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Cortez
Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez
Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez
2 out of 5
430 N State Hwy 145, Cortez, CO
The price is S$111 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$111
21 Jul - 22 Jul
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Really helpful and polite staff. Put room was clean, well stocked, and the bed was comfortable. I stayed in the back and it was really quiet, and the grassy area was nice for my dog. I will stay here again the next time I go to Cortez :)"

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez
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.
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
4 out of 5
557 Stan Miller Dr, Breckenridge, CO
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free ski shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,399 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"

Reviewed on 25 Jun, 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
The Gant
The Gant
4 out of 5
610 SOUTH WEST END STREET, Aspen, CO
Stay at this 4-star boutique condo in Aspen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (884 reviews)
"We enjoyed ourselves everything was clean an comfortable! Loved the proximity to the town! Great restaurants! Beautiful weather!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

The Gant
Sentral Union Station
Sentral Union Station
4 out of 5
1777 Wewatta Street, Denver, CO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Denver. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (730 reviews)
"It was great, good location, amazing staff, the parking is a bit expensive and not included in the room price but you get that since you’re downtown!"

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Sentral Union Station
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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