Mesa Verde National Park

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Top Adventures in Mesa Verde National Park

Explore the Far View Sites Complex

The Far View Community is located four miles north of the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. In around 800 AD, the Ancestral Pueblo people lived in this area for several centuries. They mostly farmed the mesa tops, but were also hunters. It was one...

0.75 miles

Hike the Farming Terraces Trail

The Farming Terraces Trail is located in Mesa Verde National Park. The trail is best used from March until October. The trail takes approximately ~15 minutes to complete. Photos: Anthony Quintano and Kristi Kirschner

0.4 miles 124 ft gain

Hike the Spruce Canyon Trail

The Spruce Canyon trail is very well taken care of. The trail begin with a descent into Spruce Tree Canyon and then follows a stream for 3/4 of a mile before climbing a side canyon back up to the ridge. The trailhead is located on the Chapin Mesa ...

3.1 miles 754 ft gain

Explore Park Point in Mesa Verde National Park

The Park Point Trail is the highest point in Mesa Verde National Park, and being close to the four corners, you can see for hundreds of miles in every direction on a clear day. It's a very short walk from the car, and there are several nice lookou...

Hike the Petroglyph Point Trail

Pick up a trail brochure for information on the interpretive signs. There are some steep and narrow portions of the trail, so make sure everyone in your party is of able physical capability. Photos: Fine Plan and Four Corners School of the Outdoors

2.7 miles 698 ft gain

Hike the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail

The trailhead is clearly marked, and is about 1/4 miles past the Balcony House parking lot. The trail is best used from April to October, and features a river. Photos: Jacqueline Poggi and Ron Cogswell

1.3 miles 95 ft gain

Hike the Cliff Palace Loop Trail

Tickets for this tour are $4 per person and are available at the visitor center near the entrance of the park. This tour is best taken from April to November. This hike features The milky way is often visible from the top of Mesa Verde at night. ...

0.4 miles 127 ft gain

Explore Mesa Top Loop

The 6-mile Mesa Top Loop Road, open 8 am to sunset, stops at 12 sites including surface ruins and cliff dwelling overlooks. The most famous feature of the park, Cliff Palace, is visible from the Sun Point and Sun Temple overlooks. Sunrise photogra...

Explore Balcony House

Starting at the trail head at 7,000 feet, you will head down the trail until you get to the cliff dwellings. There will be a wooden ladder you will have to climb, a recreation of the ladder used hundreds of years ago by the tribes living there. On...

0.5 miles

Hike the Badger House Community Trail

The Badger House Community Trail is a 1.5 mile loop with minimal elevation gain. This trail is perfect for all skill levels and for families. The trail offers amazing scenic views. Photos: Caitlyn Willows

1.5 miles 65 ft gain

Hike the Prater Ridge Trail

The Prater Ridge Trailhead is in the southwest corner of Morefield Campground. The trail is best used from spring to mid fall. The Prater Ridge Trail is a 7.3 mile loop. Photos: Justin Kern and Daniel Weber

7.3 miles 1167 ft gain

Hike Nordenskiold Site No. 16 Trail

This two mile round-trip trail leaves from the information kiosk near Long House and Step House, and leads through and area severely burned by the 2000 Pony Fire. There's no shade on this trail, so if you are doing it during the hotter months, be...

2 miles

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Nearby camping, hotels, and more

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Far View Lodge

Far View Lodge is the only lodging inside of Mesa Verde National Park and is located 15 miles from the park entrance. The traditional Western decor of the lobby and dining room, fantastic views, wa...

From $129/night
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Morefield Campground

Experience unspoiled natural beauty in the spirit of the ancient Puebloans.The campsites are located in a wooded canyon that’s popular with deer, wild turkeys and other wildlife, and close to the n...

From $33/night
Cortez, Colorado

Cortez / Mesa Verde KOA
Mancos, Colorado

Ridge Road Hideaway

Tucked away for privacy and close encounters with nature.

From $35/night
Dolores, Colorado

Mcphee Recreation Complex

Overview McPhee Recreation Complex is located on the south shore of McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, water skiing and fis...
Dolores, Colorado

House Creek

Overview House Creek Campground is located on the shores of McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, water skiing and fishing opp...