Tourists exploring multistory ancient cliff dwellings with circular kivas.

Explore

Park Entrance & Morefield

Start your visit at the main gateway off Highway 160. This area hosts the primary visitor center and the park's only campground.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

Before tackling the 21-mile drive to the cliff dwellings, stop here to orient yourself. Cell service drops off further inside the park, making this the best place to download maps and check tour times.

You will pay the park entry fee here ($30 per vehicle in summer, $20 in winter). Since there is no gas available deep in the park, ensure your tank is full in Cortez or Mancos before passing this area.

Detailed view of ancient multi-level stone structures built into a cliff.

Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center

30 minsFree Wi-Fi

The visitor center sits right at the Highway 160 entrance. Stop here first to pick up maps and use the free Wi-Fi. You can also check the availability of ranger-led cliff dwelling tours.

Looking down into a circular stone kiva with a ladder opening.

Morefield Campground

OvernightEvening ranger programs

This is the only campground inside Mesa Verde, offering 267 sites spread across a canyon. It rarely fills up completely, making it a reliable basecamp. Wood and charcoal fires are only permitted in designated grates here due to high fire danger. Check the local schedule for evening ranger programs.

Interior view of an ancient cliff dwelling with a wooden ladder.

Point Lookout Trail

2.2 miles round-trip1.5 - 2 hours

This 2.2-mile round-trip hike climbs steep switchbacks to a prominent geological formation. You will get expansive valley views from the top. There is little shade on the ascent. Start early in the morning to avoid the intense summer heat.