Top Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park
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The 10 Best Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park, Mesa Verde National Park
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. Long House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 262 reviews
Reviewed By Sailuver - Minneapolis, United States
Incredible structures that I would call art. Pictures don't do it justice. Please take water and be honest about your fitness level or you will be a drag on the entire group
4. 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.
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. 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.
7. 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!
8. Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
9. 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!
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!
