Mesa Verde National Park
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.
Plan Around Mesa Verde National Park
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Mesa Verde National Park Details
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. The history of the archaeological treasure trove called Mesa Verde can best be explored spring-fall, beginning at the Far View Visitor Center, where you can purchase guided-tour tickets for three of the biggest cliff dwellings. Nearby is the informative Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, which explains life in these sandstone-cut dwellings and includes a short trail to the well-preserved Spruce Tree House and another trail to Petroglyph Point. The park is highly accessible by car, with roads leading to Weatherall Mesa with its Puebloan cliff and mesa-top villages, and Chapin Mesa, which connects to a pair of scenic loop roads, one of which leads to Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Hiking in Mesa Verde is limited to ranger-led outings or marked trails to prevent damage to the park's archaeological sites.
Difficulty
Open
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Mesa Verde National Park
Compare nearby parks around Mesa Verde National Park when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Mesa Verde National Park
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Mesa Verde National Park while the map context is still fresh.
1.8 mi away
Park Point Overlook Parking
25 parking spaces with 2 accessible spaces just a short jaunt from Park Point Overlook.
1.9 mi away
Park Point Overlook
Catch a sunset or have lunch with a view of the Montezuma and Mancos valleys below.
2.1 mi away
Metate Room Restaurant
Nationally recognized and located in the Far View Lodge. Featuring organic produce, wild game and fresh fish!
2.3 mi away
Geologic Overlook
Embrace this rich historic view on the main park road, with wayside exhibits.
2.5 mi away
Far View Terrace Restaurant
Casual dining with a wide variety of options, including ice cream and a coffee bar.
