Top Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park
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10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Mesa Verde National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
An archaeological preserve offering self-guided walking tours, museum exhibits and videos.
1. Cliff Palace
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,452 reviews
An ancient cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park.
Reviewed By sullislp - Warwick, United States
We purchased our tickets the afternoon before for a morning Cliff Palace tour and were so glad we did. The Park Ranger, Kim, was informative, witty, and did an excellent job answering a variety of questions from both young and old. Yes, there was some climbing up and down and into a few tight spaces, but well worth it so you are able to get an up close look at this amazing place. We were happy we chose a morning tour, before the sun was too hot.
2. Balcony House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 864 reviews
Reviewed By scotteK4409PD - San Fernando, United States
I have to start off by saying this tour might not be for everybody. I am not terribly afraid of heights but you do have to climb a few ladders with a drop off behind you. Don’t look down by the way. It is well worth the effort even the little tunnel like passageway you have to crawl through at the end the views are spectacular and it’s amazing to see the architecture and ingenuity of a people that live there so long ago
3. Park Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By FYL003 - Chicago, United States
We arrived at the park before 9 am and this was the first stop. We pulled in the parking lot, walked up some steps. Due to being the highest point in the park, we did feel a bit of the elevation. However, it is very doable. Once reached the top, there is a short walking path surrounding the watch tower for a 360 degree view. The air was fresh, there were hardly anyone. A great way to enjoy the outdoor. Highly recommend making a stop here.
4. Ruins Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Scenic drives that offer visitors dramatic views of Anasazi cliff dwellings.
Reviewed By J9300DBsuel
This was a nice road with a good number of vehicles, but not so crowded so you could enjoy pulling off to see different cliff dwellings. Parking was not an issue. We really enjoyed our time there.
5. Spruce Tree House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 591 reviews
Reviewed By ccindyk48 - Westville, United States
After you pass Cedar Tree House on the park scenic road, you come to a 3 way stop. Turn right & you are on the Spruce Tree Loop road. There's a picnic area first road to your right & we had lunch there. We were the ONLY ones having lunch there! Bathrooms are closed in the picnic area. The road loops around & you come to a parking lot on your left. Park here or continue on - there's more parking along the road. The restrooms are further on too. Spruce Tree House is on a paved path to the right of the museum. There's a viewing area about 500 feet down that gives you a good view. If walking isn't easy for you or you want a REALLY good picture go to the porch on the building to the right of the path. I don't know what the building is used for, but they have chairs on the porch!
6. Mesa Verde Tour Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
National Association for Interpretation Certified (NAI) professional guides make the history of Mesa Verde come alive with captivating storytelling of a people who evolved from hunter-gatherers into a culture known for agriculture, intricate artistry, and architecture. Your expert guide will explain the fascinating architectural details, as well as local flora and fauna, artifacts and natural resources and their significance to the Ancestral Puebloans. Guided Mesa Verde tours begin in our comfortable coaches as they transport you to Chapin Mesa. Short walks on simple trails take you to the earliest Mesa Top sites and to the magnificent and more adventurous Cliff Palace – the largest and most awe-inspiring cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park.
7. Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By NXTTRP - St. Petersburg, United States
The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is an excellent example of the efficiency which is possible with proper organizational and talented employees. They are divided into sections, with different folks assigned to certain tasks. We had questions, we wanted information, we bought tickets and we bought gifts. All done quickly and with expertise. This is also a very handsome venue, well outfitted with exhibits and maps. Parking is also well organized. We were impressed!
8. 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.
9. Far View Sites
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By 77smiley - Newcastle, Australia
Before you head to hikes make sure you visit Pit House and Sun House as well as other earlier settlements puts the whole of the Mesa Verde early inhabitants lives in perspective...easy to access from the road
10. 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!
