Mesa Verde National Park is home of some of the most interesting archeological sights in North America, and was named as one of the must see 50 places to see in your life by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The major attractions in the park can be seen in just a half day, while longer visits will allow time to explore some of the less busy ruins and to take time to visit rock writings.

The park is open year round but many of the services are only offered April through late October. While some of the sights are open year round if you want a guided tour you should visit during the summer season. Direct access to the main archeological sights is only available on guided tours otherwise plan on viewing the sights from overlooks. Park hours are from 8:00am-5:00pm.

History

The name of the park comes from the Spanish for "green table", referring to the vegetation found at the tops of the plateaus in this area. The Ancestral Puebloans (sometimes called Anasazi) settled in hollows and under overhangs found in the cliffs of the canyons in this part of southwestern Colorado. Here, they built cities with multi-storey structures that housed 100-400 people. Visitors to the park can take self guided tours of some of the ruins, while other cliff dwellings are accessible only by guided tours.

Note that the term "Anasazi" has fallen out of favor, as it translates to "ancient enemy" or "enemy ancestor". The ancestral Puebloans were labeled "Anasazi" by rival tribes in the area.

Attractions

The park has many scenic vistas. A few of the more popular include: Moorefield Campground Overlook, The Far View Visitors Center, and the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum viewing deck.

The Archeological sites are the greatest resource in the park. They include The Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Spruce Tree House, Step House, Badger House, and Long House. Also take time to see the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and the Far View Archeological Complex.

Activities

Ranger guided tours of the Cliff Palace are outstanding. Be for warned that the tour does involve traversing several uneven stairways and several wooden ladders. While the overall distance you travel on the hiking tour isn't very far the nature of the trail, high altitude and extreme temperatures all combine to make the hike a little grueling for the average couch potato.

Shopping

The park does have a bookstore and gift shop. Buying postcards of the sites is recommended. The post cards are higher quality pictures than you can take and will save you the hassle of trying to get that perfect shot of the sites with nobody else in it and allow you to focus on getting photos of you and your group having fun. There are also Native Americans in the parks that sell their arts and crafts. Take a look if Southwestern jewelry and art interest you.

Dining

Food is available at three locations in the park:
 • Far View Terrace Marketplace Located in the Far View Visitor Center area. A variety of food in several styles (burgers, pizza, Southwestern, Native American, etc.) is available in this cafeteria. The dining room has a large window facing some of the mesas and canyons of the park.
 • Spruce Tree Terrace Burgers, sandwiches and salads are offered here.
 • The Metate Room Located within Far View Lodge, this restaurant offers the most sophisticated dining in the park. Casual dress. Open 5:00-9:30 p.m.

Lodging

The only lodging within the park is at Far View Lodge, close to the Far View Visitor Center and the Far View Terrace Marketplace.
 • Far View Lodge 150 rooms, all non-smoking and with private balcony. 1-800-449-2288. Open April-October. $110-127.
Lodging also is available in the nearby city of Cortez, and farther away in Durango.

Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde, Colorado

Fees/Permits

Entrance Fees are standard US Park Service fees 5 dollars per vehicle or 3 dollars per person. Also plan on $2.50 per person for each guided tour.

A 7 day entry pass to the park costs $10 per private vehicle. Ranger-led tours of the Cliff Palace, Balcony House and Long House areas cost $2.75 each.

Get in

The entrance to the park is 9 miles east of Cortez CO. and 35 miles west of Durango CO. on US Highway 160 (formerly US Highway 666.) Both Cortez and Durango have airports with daily flights to Denver Colorado and rental car outlets.

 • Budget Rental Cars operates out of Cortez airport. (970)564-9012 -- Rick Marsh lists his cell phone number on his cards and if he is available seems to be willing to get you a car after hours. Cell (970) 560-4680.
 • Enterprise Rental at Cortez airport. (970) 565-6824 -- Only available during limited business hours when flights arrive at the airport.

Get around

No shuttle services are available in the park so you will need private transportation in order to move throughout the park.