National Parks Journal
Photo: Judson McCranie · CC BY-SA 3.0
Mesa Verde National Park
For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 27 Pueblos and Tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past. This World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park is home to over a thousand species, including several that live nowhere else on earth.
Entrance Fees
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Mesa Verde Entrance Station (opens in a new tab)
Mesa Verde Entrance StationMain
Mancos, CO · Open year-round (park road open daily; some areas seasonal)
- Directions to Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center (opens in a new tab)
Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center
Mancos, CO · Open year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Airports
- CEZ
Cortez Municipal Airport · Cortez, CO
ClosestSmall airportSmall airport. Denver Air Connection flies to Denver and Phoenix.
- ABQ
Albuquerque International Sunport · Albuquerque, NM
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Activities
Top Hikes
2.4 mi · 227 ft gain · loop
Rugged trail with steep drop-offs, boulder scrambles, and stone staircases to an impressive petroglyph panel on a 100-foot cliff.
Starts at: Spruce Tree House Overlook
2.2 mi · 400 ft gain · out & back
Steep switchbacks to panoramic views of the San Juan and La Plata Mountains from Point Lookout.
Starts at: Morefield Campground
7.8 mi · 675 ft gain · loop
After a 1.1-mile climb, choose north or south loop for views of Montezuma Valley or Prater and Morefield Canyons.
Starts at: Morefield Campground
2 mi · 60 ft gain · out & back
Level trail following the historic 1914 park road along Mesa Verde's north escarpment with expansive views.
Starts at: Morefield Campground
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Mesa Verde National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde
Best time to visit: May–June, September–October
The best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is May–June and September–October. Ranger-guided cliff dwelling tours are running and mesa-top temperatures are mild, before or after midsummer storms.
In those months, average highs are 63–81°F at Chapin Mesa. June is the busiest month on average, while October is noticeably quieter.
Monthly averages at Chapin Mesa (6,960 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
SPRING: This season offers a range of weather including clear skies, wind, rain, cloudy days and temperatures from 40–70°F (4–21° C). Snow may fall into May. SUMMER: Most days are sunny and temperatures can reach above 90°F (32°C) . Thunderstorms are common in July and August. FALL: Temperatures range from 50–75°F (10–24°C). Snow may fall as early as October. WINTER: Temps range from the teens to low 30s F (below -1°C) . Icy roads are common. Snow tires, all-wheel drive, or chains may be required.
