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Point of interest
Farming Terrace TrailThis interesting half mile loop features a series of ancient check dams that the Ancestral Puebloans used to creating farming terraces for corn, squash, and beans.

Carved into sandstone cliffs, Mesa Verde National Park preserves remarkably intact ancestral Puebloan dwellings and a rich cultural landscape.
Top places to visit in Mesa Verde, from signature stops to easy additions for the trip plan.
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Point of interest
Farming Terrace TrailThis interesting half mile loop features a series of ancient check dams that the Ancestral Puebloans used to creating farming terraces for corn, squash, and beans.
Point of interest
Badger House Community TrailJourney through 600 years of prehistory on this community trail.
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Chapin Mesa
Spruce Tree HouseEnjoy the polygonal pattern of grooves in the exterior at Spruce Tree House, a very popular tour.
Explore Information inside Mesa Verde with park-specific stops and route ideas.

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Basic Information
Operating HoursMesa Verde is open year-round, sunrise to sunset, here are some important details.
Explore Hiking inside Mesa Verde with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Knife Edge TrailA nice, flat, two mile round-trip stroll following the old unpaved historic entrance road to the park which features stunning views of Montezuma Valley.
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Point of interest
Point Lookout TrailEnjoy a hike that takes you up a series of switchbacks for spectacular views of Montezuma and Mancos Valleys.
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Point of interest
Spruce Canyon TrailA 2.5 mile loop that starts from the trailhead to Spruce Tree House. Enjoy the bottom of Spruce Canyon, then switchback back up to the mesa top.
Explore Tours inside Mesa Verde with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Chapin Mesa
Spruce Tree HouseEnjoy the polygonal pattern of grooves in the exterior at Spruce Tree House, a very popular tour.
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Chapin Mesa
Far View Sites ComplexTour the sites of this trail system, home to hundreds of Ancestral Pueblo prior to their Mesa Verde cliff dwellings.
Explore Point of Interest inside Mesa Verde with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
Visitor and Research CenterMake the time to explore exhibits, where you'll learn about the fascinating Ancestral Puebloan culture and daily life. Free wi-fi and restrooms available.
Point of interest
Chapin Mesa Archeological MuseumExplore a chronology of Ancestral Puebloan life and exhibits of prehistoric artifacts.
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Point of interest
Wetherill MesaA quiet and remote section of the park, with the only self-guided cliff dwelling, Step House, and the ranger-guided Long House.
Explore Restrooms inside Mesa Verde with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
Visitor and Research CenterMake the time to explore exhibits, where you'll learn about the fascinating Ancestral Puebloan culture and daily life. Free wi-fi and restrooms available.
Point of interest
Chapin Mesa Archeological MuseumExplore a chronology of Ancestral Puebloan life and exhibits of prehistoric artifacts.
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Point of interest
Far View LodgeEnjoy panoramic vistas into three states and handcrafted comfort, just 15 miles inside the park.
Explore Lodging inside Mesa Verde with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
Far View LodgeEnjoy panoramic vistas into three states and handcrafted comfort, just 15 miles inside the park.
Explore Food inside Mesa Verde with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Chapin Mesa Archeological MuseumExplore a chronology of Ancestral Puebloan life and exhibits of prehistoric artifacts.
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Point of interest
Metate Room RestaurantNationally recognized and located in the Far View Lodge. Featuring organic produce, wild game and fresh fish!
Explore Camping inside Mesa Verde with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Morefield CampgroundA beautiful grassy campground with several amenities such as groceries, grills, gas station, laundry and showers.
Explore Scenic View inside Mesa Verde with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
Montezuma Valley OverlookAn overlook with views of Knife Edge, Morefield Canyon, City of Cortez, Sleeping Ute Mountain and more.
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Point of interest
Park Point OverlookCatch a sunset or have lunch with a view of the Montezuma and Mancos valleys below.
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Point of interest
Sun Point ViewLooking across this canyon, it becomes self-evident how many of our ancestral people once called this place home.
Explore Parking inside Mesa Verde with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
Visitor and Research CenterMake the time to explore exhibits, where you'll learn about the fascinating Ancestral Puebloan culture and daily life. Free wi-fi and restrooms available.
Point of interest
Chapin Mesa Archeological MuseumExplore a chronology of Ancestral Puebloan life and exhibits of prehistoric artifacts.
Explore Support inside Mesa Verde with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Mesa Verde Museum AssociationThe non-profit education association that curates the museum and educational displays, and helps support more educational opportunities in the park.
Point of interest
Mesa Verde FoundationThe non-profit philanthropic partner that helps to support funding the building repair and preservation of Mesa Verde National Park.
Compare nearby parks around Mesa Verde when planning alternatives, extensions, or a follow-up trip.
Explore nearby points of interest around Mesa Verde to build stop-level options beyond this park's top picks.
0.0 mi away
The Puebloan people built their famous cliff dwellings in southwestern Colorado starting in about 550 A.D. and lived here for about 700 years before mysteriously abandoning their homes, never to return.
0.0 mi away
Make the time to explore exhibits, where you'll learn about the fascinating Ancestral Puebloan culture and daily life. Free wi-fi and restrooms available.
2.1 mi away
Enjoy a hike that takes you up a series of switchbacks for spectacular views of Montezuma and Mancos Valleys.
2.2 mi away
A stunning view of the La Plata Mountains, ancient erosion surfaces, and an old stream terrace.
2.4 mi away
A nice, flat, two mile round-trip stroll following the old unpaved historic entrance road to the park which features stunning views of Montezuma Valley.
2.4 mi away
A beautiful grassy campground with several amenities such as groceries, grills, gas station, laundry and showers.