In short
- Ask for a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center.
- Step House and Mesa Top Loop Road are the safest family routes.
- Main cliff dwelling tours require climbing steep wooden ladders.
In this article
Mesa Verde National Park is an excellent place for families to learn about the Ancestral Pueblo people. However, the terrain is rugged. The park sits between 6,200 and 8,500 feet in elevation. You will encounter steep canyons, uneven stone paths, and extreme summer heat. Knowing which sites fit your children's ages will keep your day safe and enjoyable.
What is the safest cliff dwelling for young kids?
Step House is the easiest and safest cliff dwelling to visit with young children.
You do not need a tour reservation to hike the Step House trail. The trail takes 45 to 60 minutes to complete. It is the only cliff dwelling you can visit at your own pace. Note that this site is located on Wetherill Mesa, which is only open from May to October.
Are the guided cliff tours safe for children?
The main ranger-led tours involve physical challenges and high drop-offs.
Tours like Cliff Palace and Balcony House are not recommended for toddlers or kids afraid of heights. Balcony House requires climbing a 32-foot entrance ladder and crawling through a tight tunnel. Cliff Palace requires climbing steep, uneven steps and wooden ladders. You must keep your hands free, so you cannot carry a child on these ladders.
What flat trails are good for families?
The Badger House Community trail offers a flat, quiet hike away from crowds.
This trail takes about one hour. It connects four mesa-top surface sites. Kids can see how the Ancestral Puebloan architecture evolved over time without climbing any ladders. You can also drive the 6-mile Mesa Top Loop Road. It features easy pull-offs to view surface sites and canyon overlooks.
What is the Junior Ranger program?
The Junior Ranger program helps kids learn park history through activities.
Stop at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center right off Highway 160. You can pick up a booklet for your kids here. As you drive through the park, they complete activities based on the sites. They can earn a badge at the end of your visit.
What should parents know about driving in the park?
The drive from the entrance to the main sites takes 45 to 60 minutes.
The main attractions are 21 miles deep into the park. You will drive on steep, winding mountain roads. Bring activities for kids in the car. There are no gas stations inside the park. Fill your tank in Mancos or Cortez before you enter.
What should families pack for a Mesa Verde trip?
Pack plenty of water, sun protection, and extra food.
The climate is very dry and high-altitude. Bring sturdy shoes with good traction for everyone. Dining options are limited past the visitor center, so pack a lunch and snacks. Cell service is spotty. Print or download your Tickets and tour passes before entering the park.
Questions travellers ask
Are dogs allowed in Mesa Verde National Park?
Pets are prohibited on trails, inside archaeological sites, and in buildings. They are only allowed in paved parking lots on a leash 6 feet or shorter.
Are there places to eat inside Mesa Verde National Park?
Dining options are very limited past the main visitor center. Families should pack their own lunch and snacks for the day.
Is the road to Mesa Verde difficult to drive?
Yes. The 21-mile drive from the entrance features steep, winding mountain roads. It takes up to an hour to reach the main sites.
