Top Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park
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The 6 Best Things to do Adventurous 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. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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!
