Spotlight: Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park was designated in 1906, making it the first U.S. national park established to protect archeological sites. Today, the park welcomes visitors from around the world to witness the incredible architectural achievements of the Ancestral Pueblo peoples through guided tours, maintained hiking trails and interpretive exhibits. After purchasing your entry pass at the park entrance, a great first stop is the Visitor and Research Center. From there, it's about a 45-minute drive to the heart of the park, where most of the archeological sites are located. Be sure to check in with Visitor Center staff regarding the best route to take, as many paths and roads are restricted from cars. On your way into the park, stop at milepost 20 to explore the Mesa Verde Museum's cultural artifacts and multimedia presentations telling the story of the land's ancestral inhabitants.

The only way to see Mesa Verde's cliff dwellings is by securing a spot on a ranger-led tour. Tour groups are limited to 50 people and depart each day between May and October. Exact dates change from year to year, so be sure to check the park's website for the most up-to-date information. Reservations can be made by phone or online up to 14 days in advance. 

Hikes to the cliff dwellings range from moderately challenging to extremely strenuous, and climbing ladders and stone stairs is required to traverse the trails. Cliff Palace is the shortest and least taxing, while the tight squeezes on the way to the Balcony House tour and the backcountry conditions that lead to Square Tower House make them more suitable for experienced hikers. These hikes may not be suitable for young children, and for safety reasons this hike is not for children carried in backpacks.

However, both adults and children can enjoy many of the more easy-going hikes around the park. Younger and less experienced experienced hikers should plan to visit during the cooler months of September and October and pack plenty of water and salty snacks for the voyage.

Mesa Verde is a popular place during the summer season. May, September and October tend to be less busy, and autumn weather is particularly pleasant. Planning a late July or August visit? Bring your rain gear, as afternoon thunderstorms are common. While the park is open year-round, many tours, facilities and campgrounds may have different seasonal service hours. The park's webpage is the best source for up-to-date information regarding closures and trail conditions.

Lodging and camping within the park are available from the park’s concessionaire, Aramark. Cabins, hotels, RV parks and other lodging options are available in nearby Mesa Verde County. You'll find a range of restaurants and dining rooms on the park's grounds, from upscale fine dining experiences to casual buffet-style and grab-and-go eateries. While in the area, consider adding in a visit to the Four Corners, the region where the states of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico converge. Fascinating Ancestral Puebloan cultural sites Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Chimney Rock National Monument, Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center and National Monument, and Aztec Ruins National Monument are all within a one- to two-hour drive of Mesa Verde National Park.

Mesa Verde National Park is located on U.S. Highway 160 between the towns of Mancos and Cortez, Colorado. The park offers a range of accommodations to help guests with mobility devices, service animals and other accessibility needs explore with ease.

The closest airport is Cortez Municipal Airport (CRO), accessible via connecting flights from a few major U.S. airports. Other nearby international airports include Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) in Durango, Colorado, about an hour away by car, and Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) in New Mexico, about four hours away by car. Rent a car at your airport of choice and get ready to experience the splendor of the Southwestern USA.