Top Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park
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10 Nature & Parks in Mesa Verde National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
An archaeological preserve offering self-guided walking tours, museum exhibits and videos.
1. Knife Edge Trail
2. Prater Ridge Trail
3. Point Lookout Trail
4. Spruce Canyon Trail
5. Petroglyph Point Hike
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
A flat 3-mile hiking trail in Mesa Verde National Park.
Reviewed By Love2ChaCha - Albuquerque, United States
It was a great day visiting Mesa Verde. The Petroglyph Loop Trail, about 3 mi., is very cool & followed an ancient foot path along the edge of the canyon cliff, passes by a small cliff dwelling & then to the panel of glyphs & then just a little farther there are steps up to the top of the cliff & then an easy walk back. If you want an easier version, you can make a left turn at Spruce Tree House & walk along the top till you get to the stairs down to the glyphs but they are a bit steep. The canyon views along the way are breathtaking!
6. Soda Canyon Overlook Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By NatParkHikerJess - Peoria, United States
We had wanted to hike Knife Edge, but since it was closed due to fire danger, we did this one instead. We were not disappointed. It is a fairly easy trail with some up and down that brings you out to some wonderful overlooks of cliff dwellings and the canyon. Just beautiful! There are some areas of shade on this trail but it's still a lot of sun and very hot mid-day. I would try for morning or evening.
7. Square Tower House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By ccindyk48 - Westville, United States
This is the 3rd stop on the one way Mesa Top Loop Road. Parking is generous & there's a paved trail down to the overlook. Maybe .4 miles more or less. The ruins look interesting & I would definitely recommend.
8. Mesa Verde National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By CMPTexas - Tucson, United States
During Covid, we needed to get out of the house and decided on Mesa Verde National Park. Glad we did. Camped across the street at a RV park and hit the park early. Taking the 21 mile roadway up the mountain to vistas that were breathtaking. You'll continue to drive along and stop at the many parking pull-offs and parking lots to take short walks on well made trails to mountain tops, fire look-outs, geological mountain formations, pit-houses, cliff dwellings and observation areas, museums, lodges, and many other points of interests. Plan on spending about 5-6 hours here, unless your staying overnight, to take the other loop (there are two main roadways inside the park). Get your cameras ready and take water with you. Enjoy the many cliff dwellings of ancient and early Native Americans with plenty of plaques explaining the culture, the peoples, exhibits, etc. While the main Visitor Center was closed, as were many other exhibits and museums, many were open. Plenty of restrooms along the way. Take your time and enjoy. This is a must see for everyone!
