Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park

Activities, attractions and tours

Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
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Top places to visit

1. Cliff Palace

Located within a massive sheltered sandstone alcove, Cliff Palace has been wonderfully preserved for over seven centuries. Visitors are often awed with the sheer size and scale of the dwelling, the largest in the national park. Explore the dwelling’s rooms and ceremonial sites, which give a sense of what life would have been like for its ancient inhabitants .
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2. Spruce Tree House

As the best-preserved cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park, and the largest after Cliff Palace and Long House, Spruce Tree House is a favorite to visit at any time of year. Built between A.D. 1211 and 1278 by the Ancestral Puebloan people of southwestern America, the impressive dwelling features about 130 rooms and eight ceremonial kiva chambers. Note that the large alcove housing the dwelling measures 216 feet (66 meters) wide and 89 feet (27 meters) deep at its greatest width and depth.
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3. Balcony House

Explore Balcony House, a 40-room cliff dwelling carved into a rock face in Mesa Verde National Park. The dwelling was most likely constructed during the 1200s by the ancestors of the Pueblo Indians of Arizona and New Mexico. Enjoy an educational and adventurous tour of this fascinating ancient residence.
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4. Petroglyph Point Trail

While many other prominent petroglyphs in Mesa Verde can be seen only during a guided tour, you can view the wall art perched above Petroglyph Point Trail independently. Follow this 2-mile (3-kilometer) loop trail to view the ancient art as well as the attractive surrounding scenery.
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5. Park Point

In a national park filled with enthralling archaeological history and sensational natural views, Park Point literally stands tall above the rest. At an elevation of 8,572 feet (2,613 meters), Park Point is the highest spot in Mesa Verde National Park. Come here to admire far-reaching vistas, hike, picnic and learn about the importance of early wildfire detection.
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6. Knife Edge Trail

Despite its forbidding name, Knife Edge Trail is accessible for all ages and fitness levels. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Montezuma Valley along the 2-mile-long (3-kilometer) trail. Spot local birds nesting in the brush off one side of the trail and soaring over the rocky drop-off on the other.
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7. Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

Visit the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum for an excellent sense of what life was like for the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived in and around the region of Mesa Verde National Park. Browse the informative, educational exhibits at this well-maintained museum to enhance your entire park experience.
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8. Long House

Filling a sandstone alcove that is 298 feet (91 meters) long, Long House is one of the most fascinating ancestral dwellings within the entire Mesa Verde National Park. The site features about 150 rooms and 21 kivas (ceremonial structures) and may have been inhabited by 175 people at one time.
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What to do in Mesa Verde National Park

Popular places to visit

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace

5/5(5 reviews)

Explore this immense 700-year-old cliff dwelling, the largest and most famous ancestral residence in the impressive Mesa Verde National Park.

Cliff Palace
Spruce Tree House

Spruce Tree House

4.5/5(3 reviews)

If you have time to see only one of Mesa Verde National Park’s cliff dwellings, make it this beautifully preserved site, visible from the museum.

Spruce Tree House
Balcony House

Balcony House

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Careful excavations have ensured the preservation of this historical cliff dwelling, which was built by the ancestors of the Pueblo Indians.

Balcony House
Petroglyph Point Trail

Petroglyph Point Trail

5/5(1 review)

Get a close-up view of ruins and fascinating native rock art on this hiking path, as you learn about the cultural treasures of Mesa Verde National Park.

Petroglyph Point Trail
Park Point

Park Point

Gaze at geological formations spread across four states and see a historic fire lookout at this panoramic place, the highest point in Mesa Verde National Park.

Park Point
Knife Edge Trail

Knife Edge Trail

Covering a section of the original access road into Mesa Verde National Park, this short yet scenic trail features wonderful views of the surrounding valley.

Knife Edge Trail
Far View Sites

Far View Sites

You can browse the exhibits at Far View Sites, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Mesa Verde National Park. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Far View Sites
USA, Colorado, Square Tower House pueblo ruin seen from Wetherill Mesa in Mesa Verde National Park

Wetherill Mesa

5/5(1 review)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Wetherill Mesa during your travels in Mesa Verde National Park. Amble around this family-friendly area's scenic parks and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Wetherill Mesa
Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

This fascinating museum depicts the life of the Ancestral Puebloan people through the use of intricate dioramas and prehistoric artifacts.

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
Sunset Over Open Field

Mancos

Frequently asked questions

Is Mesa Verde National Park worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the local charm and cultural hotspots or try regional foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in Mesa Verde National Park.
How do I spend a day in Mesa Verde National Park?
After you've visited major attractions like Mesa Verde National Park Entrance and Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Centre, spend some time discovering Mesa Verde National Park's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Mesa Verde National Park?
The top tourist attraction in Mesa Verde National Park is Mesa Verde National Park Entrance, so make sure to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Mesa Verde National Park?
You can easily tour top sights like Mesa Verde National Park Entrance, Park Point and Spruce Tree House with a three-day escape to Mesa Verde National Park. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Cortez.
What are some activities to do in Mesa Verde National Park with kids?
Planning what to do in Mesa Verde National Park with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Mesa Verde National Park for adults?
Adults of all ages will have plenty of things to do in Mesa Verde National Park. Whether you're into history, art, nature or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Mesa Verde National Park?
In Mesa Verde National Park, Soda Canyon Overlook Trail is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Mesa Verde National Park.