Mesa Verde National Park Essential Guide

Southwest Colorado is where the Rocky Mountains Give way to canyons or mesas is one of the best places in America to connect with the ancient past.

The following are some of the ways to get in touch with us Mesa Verde National ParkYou’ll find intricate villages hidden beneath sandstone overhangs. The Ancestral Pueblo built these cliff dwellings more than 700-years ago. These historic structures offer a glimpse of a civilization which built elaborate homes, ceremonial temples, and irrigation systems.

“Mesa Verde’s uniqueness is that it is a park telling the stories of people in the landscape. “Mesa Verde is unique because it’s a national park that tells the story of people on the landscape,” said Dalton Dorrell.

Mesa Verde National Park has some of the finest preserved dwellings around the globe. a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mesa Verde is a rare combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. isn’t just a stop or another national park on the list—it’s a journey into the deep history of the American Southwest.

Planning your Visit

The Mesa Verde National Park remains open every day of the year. No reservations are needed to enter the park, and entrance passes are $20 per vehicle during the low season (Oct. 23–April 30) and $30 during the high season (May 1–Oct. 22). The passes are valid for 7 days.

To walk into one of the famous cliff dwellings in the park, you need to book a tour 14 days ahead. Cliff dwelling tours take place from May to October. They end in the winter. In the winter, the park remains open, but some facilities, such as the campground, lodge and dining options, close.

All of the historic sites and cliff-dwellings in the park are located at least 45 minutes away by car from the park entrance on Highway 160. Brian Bartlett is the Tourism Director and CEO of Mesa Verde CountryThe park is nearly devoid of fuel, so it’s best to fill up before arriving. Bring a credit card as the park is completely cashless.

Mesa Verde National Park differs from others because it has so much history. The park’s heritage is based on the ancient sites. 26 affiliated tribes They are also fragile. Dorrell advised that there are two easy ways to visit ancestral sites with respect: don’t touch or sit on the walls, and leave artifacts where you found them.

How to get there

The park is located between the Colorado towns Cortez & Mancos near the Four Corners Arizona region is located. UtahNew Mexico and Colorado come together. It shares land with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe reservation.

Airports closest to Mesa Verde National Park include Cortez Municipal Airport, located 36 miles from the park, Durango-La Plata County Airport, 70 miles, and Four Corners Regional Airport, in Farmington, New Mexico (89 miles). You’ll need a rental car if you fly in. There’s no public transport to the park or to other areas.

The first cliff dwelling can be seen after a 45 minute drive off Highway 160.

The Best Time to Visit

Mesa Verde National Park’s peak season has not yet begun, so the best time to go is late spring or early fall. The cliff dwellings will still be open and the park won’t be as busy. Popular ranger-led tours are available. cliff dwelling tours Start in May, and finish in late October.

Dorrell: “I enjoy the park in September and October.” It’s cooler and there are still tours in some parts of the park. Some days are slower. Be sure to check weather conditions before visiting during that period. “Some years, we get snow as early as January.”

Summer is the most popular time to go because the weather is generally more stable and the park is open. Summer is also a good time to visit because the weather is more reliable and the park is usually open. comes with wildflowers You can also spot a variety of wildlife including bobcats, bears, and other species.

You can also visit the park in winter, when you’ll see many of its sites covered with snow. You can even snowshoe or cross-country skiing on the park’s trails. Keep in mind, however, that some of the park’s amenities close during the winter months. It also has its own national park websiteYou can follow Mesa Verde on Twitter Facebook pageThe site is where you can find information about park closings or delays.

The Best Things to do

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace It is believed to have been built between 1190 and 1280 C.E. It is thought to have been constructed between 1190-1280 C.E. The kivas (ceremonial rooms) are 23 in number.

Cliff Palace Overlook: You can view the Cliff Palace. Cliff Palace Loop RoadYou must book in advance to visit this enormous structure. a ranger-guided tour. The tour is limited to fifty people and takes 45 minutes.

Balcony House

Reserve a tour at Balcony HouseDorrell stated that visitors “must climb a 32-foot staircase, two smaller ones, and crawl a 12-foot long tunnel.” It’s worth the effort. The path takes you to a village with about 38 rooms in an alcove of rock.

From the Cliff Palace Loop Road you can see the Balcony House. Anyone who wants to enter the village has to book. a guided tour.

Mesa Top Loop Road

Bartlett recommends first-time guests drive the six mile route Mesa Top Loop RoadThe loop is open all year round and provides access to 12 archeological sites, including pueblos and pit houses. The loop is accessible all year round and includes 12 archeological sites including pit houses and pueblos. Square Tower House is also visible, as are Cliff Palace and Sun Temple. Mesa Top Loop Road opens daily at 8:00 am until sunset.

Step House

You can only visit the cliff dwellings without a guide or reservation if you are accompanied by a ranger. Step House Wetherill Mesa. Visit it to discover a part of Mesa Verde National Park which very few people ever get to experience.

Bartlett explained that this year the Weatherall Mesa Road, which is the road to the other half of the park, will be opened.

Step House can be reached in three to four hours. It is also a mile-long steep hike. Usually, there’s a ranger available to answer your questions.

Stargazing

The park is a popular destination for stargazing at night. While many people visit the park during the day to learn about the early human lifestyle, it becomes an even more spectacular place to gaze up into the sky. The park is located at a high altitude, has an arid climate and is far from any nearby community. the skies above Mesa Verde tend to be clear and inky black—ideal conditions for stargazing. Mesa Verde National Park became the world’s 100th International Dark Sky Park In 2021,

Book a campsite Morefield Campground The (open from May to October) allows you to enjoy the night skies. The park also runs a race in the late summer. evening stargazing programs.

Where to Stay

Morefield Campground

Morefield The only campground is open May through October. You can spend the night at any of the 267 sites that are scattered throughout the grassy valley near the entrance to the park if you visit the right time. Each campsite features a BBQ grill, fire pit and picnic table. RVs and Trailers are allowed. The campground also has a camp shop, showers and laundry.

Far View Lodge

The only accommodations available in the park that is traditional are at Far View LodgeThe lodge is usually open between April and October. The lodge lies in the heart of the park about 30 minutes’ walk from the park entrance. Far View Lodge offers rooms with private balconies, Wi Fi, and complimentary guest parking. The rooms are ADA accessible and allow pets. There is also a dining area, a lounge with bar and a bar.

Mesa Verde Motel

Mesa Verde Motel Mancos is one of the towns that surrounds the park. It’s a simple motel, but clean and modern with an Americana vibe. The motel has a coffee shop, cocktail lounge and a communal fire pit. Bartlett states that the motel should not be missed.

The Retro Inn

This little gem in Cortez describes itself as “a little different than the norm”—and it’s easy to see why. The Retro Inn has a host of eccentrically decorated rooms—including the hippy-dippy Woodstock Suite—and a range of interesting amenities, including lawn bowling, nostalgic board games, and old-school video games. The outdoor theater has swings, a firepit and swings.

Where to Eat

Metate Room & Far View Lounge

Enjoy fine dining in the park at the Metate Room Far View Lodge is a great place to stay. The menu features regional heritage foods such as wild game and local produce. Fresh fish is also available. Far View Lounge, located on the top floor of the lodge. views that stretch for hundreds of miles You can enjoy a drink either before or after your meal.

Bartlett stated that “while in the park, one must dine in the Metate Room and enjoy a cocktail in the Far View Lounge. And enjoy our amazing dark skies for yourself.”

Loungin’ Lizard

Cortez’s is also a favorite of Bartlett. Loungin’ LizardMain Street. The restaurant, bar, and lounge are located in a modern, hip space. They serve food like spicy barbecue chicken, elk-shepherd’s pie, and pork belly tacos.

The Boathouse on Grand

In Mancos, The Boathouse on Grand This is the place to go. The restaurant is run by Jenn and Dave Stewart, and the menu changes every week. The restaurant is also famous for its menu of Spanish vermouth and sherry, which are served by the glass.