Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Prepare for high altitudes, steep drives, and varying temperatures. Good planning makes navigating the park much easier.
Getting there
Getting to the park and navigating the roads.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Driving is essential as the park entrance is on Highway 160, and the main sites are a 45-minute drive (21 miles) along steep, winding mountain roads from the entrance. | 45-60 minutes from Cortez or Mancos to the main sites | $30 per vehicle | No gas is available deep in the park; fill up in Mancos or Cortez before entering. |
| Bus: There is no public transportation or park shuttle system; visitors must rely on their own vehicles or book commercial tours. | N/A | null | Commercial bus and van tours are available from gateway towns like Durango and Cortez. |
| Tour: Various commercial guides (including Aramark, the park's concessionaire) offer guided half-day and full-day bus tours into the park. | 4-8 hours | Varies by operator | A good option for those who do not want to navigate the steep, winding park roads themselves. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The optimal time to visit is mid-May through October. During this window, all visitor services are open. Wetherill Mesa and ranger-led tours close entirely during the winter due to snow.
What to bring
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There are no gas stations deep inside the park.
Fill your tank in Cortez or Mancos before driving up the mesa.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries for different schedules.
Focus on the main sites along Chapin Mesa if you are short on time.
- Enter the Park
Stop at the Visitor Center right off Highway 160.
- Drive the Mesa
Take the 45-minute scenic drive up to Chapin Mesa.
- Mesa Top Loop
Spend 1 to 2 hours driving the 6-mile loop for canyon overlooks.
- Cliff Palace Tour
Take a pre-booked 1-hour ranger tour of the largest cliff dwelling.
See both Chapin Mesa and the quieter Wetherill Mesa during summer.
- Arrive Early
Beat the heat and start the long drive into the park.
- Balcony House Tour
Climb the 32-foot ladder on a 1-hour pre-booked tour.
- Spruce Tree House Overlook
View this well-preserved dwelling and visit the nearby museum.
- Wetherill Mesa
Drive to the quieter side of the park and hike to Step House.
- Long House Tour
Join a 2-hour guided tour requiring a 2.25-mile round-trip hike.
Packing for the Park
Bring plenty of drinking water, as the climate is dry and high-altitude. You will also need sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. Wooden ladders and stone paths get slippery.
Pack layers of clothing. Temperatures swing wildly from morning to afternoon. Do not forget sun protection, and ensure you have offline maps or downloaded audio guides like the
Easiest way to do it
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Mesa Verde National Park
4 h to 12 h 4.6 (97)
- Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
- Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
- Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
- Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
From$17per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Is the road to Mesa Verde scary or difficult to drive?
The main park road is 21 miles long. It features steep grades, sharp curves, and lacks guardrails in some areas. It takes 45 to 60 minutes to reach the main sites.
Are dogs allowed in Mesa Verde National Park?
Pets are restricted. They are not allowed on trails, in archaeological sites, or in buildings. You may walk them on a 6-foot leash in paved parking lots.
Are there places to eat inside Mesa Verde National Park?
Dining options are very limited past the visitor center. It is highly recommended to pack snacks and a lunch before entering the park.