Mesa Verde National Park

Travel Guide

Mesa Verde National Park showing tranquil scenes, a gorge or canyon and landscape views
Mesa Verde National Park which includes signage
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park showing 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 center. 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 Amphitheater.

The entrance to Mesa Verde National Park is approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) 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 travelers 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 CA $144 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
CA $144
CA $158 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
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)
Fantastic views
"A fantastic view with great rooms and food. Having a private balcony is the way to go when staying here. It is so quiet and peaceful at night. I had dinner in the lounge outside and it made for the perfect night."

Reviewed on Jul. 30, 2025

Far View Lodge
Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez

Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez

2 out of 5
430 N State Hwy 145, Cortez, CO
The price is CA $110 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
CA $110
CA $121 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
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! (1,032 reviews)
"Overall nice experience with clean room and dog friendly would stay again"

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez
Quality Inn near Mesa Verde

Quality Inn near Mesa Verde

2.5 out of 5
1120 East Main, Building A, Cortez, CO
The price is CA $123 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
CA $123
CA $135 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cortez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (635 reviews)
"While older, the rooms were very clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Quality Inn near Mesa Verde
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.
Quiet charming 3-bedroom house in central Cortez with WiFi and central air.

Quiet charming 3-bedroom house in central Cortez with WiFi and central air.

2 out of 5
Cortez
Stay at this vacation home in Cortez. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez and Clay ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"The Property was overall very Pleasant, the only complaint was living room furniture was not very comfortable and worn out."

Reviewed on Jul. 30, 2025

Quiet charming 3-bedroom house in central Cortez with WiFi and central air.
25 minutes from Durango! Cabin on 2 fenced acres!

25 minutes from Durango! Cabin on 2 fenced acres!

Hesperus
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Hesperus. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Great place! Great host! Lots of space and fully stocked. Perfectly clean."

Reviewed on Jul. 19, 2025

25 minutes from Durango! Cabin on 2 fenced acres!
Charming Tiny Home/ school bus conversion in marvelous Cortez with WiFi

Charming Tiny Home/ school bus conversion in marvelous Cortez with WiFi

Cortez
Stay at this vacation home in Cortez. Popular attractions Hawkins Preserve and Notah Dineh Trading Company and Museum are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Lovely skoolie
"I rented the skoolie to stay in while my son & I explored Mesa Verde. It was such a fun experience! Gave us a bit of a glamping experience, which I appreciated. The craftsmanship of the interior conversion is outstanding. The owners were also very responsive and helpful with our requests. I would ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 12, 2025

Charming Tiny Home/ school bus conversion in marvelous Cortez with WiFi
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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