In short
- Bring a telephoto lens to shoot across deep canyons.
- Shoot early or late to handle dramatic light changes.
- Leave the drone at home; they are strictly prohibited.
In this article
Getting great photos at Mesa Verde National Park requires some planning. The scale of the canyons and the distance to many cliff dwellings mean cell phone cameras often fall short. Knowing where to go and what to pack helps you get the best shots.
What gear do you need for Mesa Verde photography?
You need a telephoto lens to photograph cliff dwellings from across the canyons.
Many archaeological sites sit far away from the overlooks. A standard lens will make them look tiny. Pack a telephoto lens or binoculars to capture the details of the stone structures. If you take a guided tour into a dwelling, bring a small daypack. You need your hands free to climb the steep wooden ladders.
Where are the best photo spots on Chapin Mesa?
The Spruce Tree House Overlook and the Mesa Top Loop Road offer excellent views.
The Spruce Tree House Overlook provides clear views of one of the best-preserved dwellings. It takes about 30 minutes to visit. Drive the 6-mile Mesa Top Loop Road for canyon overlooks and surface sites. You can capture 700 years of Ancestral Pueblo history along this route.
When is the best time of day to take photos?
Shoot in the morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh shadows.
Temperatures and lighting fluctuate dramatically between morning and evening. Midday sun washes out the texture of the canyon walls. Early morning is also the best time to hike the 2.2-mile Point Lookout Trail for expansive valley views. You will beat the heat and the harsh light.
Are drones allowed for photography in Mesa Verde?
No. Drones are strictly prohibited everywhere within the park boundaries.
You cannot launch, land, or operate unmanned aircraft systems in Mesa Verde. You must also stay on designated paths. It is illegal to hike off-trail to get a better angle. This protects the fragile archaeological sites.
How do you photograph Cliff Palace?
You can view it from the overlook or book a ranger-led tour.
Cliff Palace is the largest known cliff dwelling in North America. It has over 150 rooms and 23 kivas. To take photos from inside the site, you must book a tour via Recreation.gov. Expect to climb steep, uneven steps during the 1-hour tour.
Which area is better for landscape photos?
Chapin Mesa offers iconic cliff dwellings, while Wetherill Mesa provides rugged canyon views.
Choose your area based on the type of photography you prefer. Wetherill Mesa is seasonal (May to October) and much quieter.
Questions travellers ask
Can I use a tripod on cliff dwelling tours?
Tours involve steep ladders and tight spaces. A large tripod is difficult to carry. Use a small daypack to keep your hands free for climbing.
Do I need a tour to take photos of Balcony House?
Yes, you must be on an official ranger-led tour to enter Balcony House. You will climb a 32-foot entrance ladder and crawl through a tunnel.
Where can I take photos of Long House?
Long House is located on Wetherill Mesa. You need to book a 2-hour ranger-led tour and complete a 2.25-mile round-trip hike to photograph it up close.
