Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park

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Mesa Verde National Park featuring landscape views, a gorge or canyon and tranquil scenes
Mesa Verde National Park showing signage
Mesa Verde National Park which includes landscape views, a gorge or canyon and tranquil scenes
Mesa Verde National Park which includes land animals
Mesa Verde National Park featuring a gorge or canyon and landscape views

Mesa Verde National Park Attractions

Explore the best sights in Mesa Verde National Park with some popular tours & day trips, or get through our list of {5 fun activities in Mesa Verde National Park fun activities in Mesa Verde National Park}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning the vacation of a lifetime.

Mesa Verde National Park must see attractions

1. Cliff Palace

Located within a massive sheltered sandstone alcove, Cliff Palace has been wonderfully preserved for over seven centuries. Visitors are often awed with the sheer size and scale of the dwelling, the largest in the national park. Explore the dwelling’s rooms and ceremonial sites, which give a sense of what life would have been like for its ancient inhabitants .
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Cliff Palace showing a ruin and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

2. Balcony House

Explore Balcony House, a 40-room cliff dwelling carved into a rock face in Mesa Verde National Park. The dwelling was most likely constructed during the 1200s by the ancestors of the Pueblo Indians of Arizona and New Mexico. Enjoy an educational and adventurous tour of this fascinating ancient residence.
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Balcony House which includes heritage elements

3. Knife Edge Trail

Despite its forbidding name, Knife Edge Trail is accessible for all ages and fitness levels. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Montezuma Valley along the 2-mile-long (3-kilometer) trail. Spot local birds nesting in the brush off one side of the trail and soaring over the rocky drop-off on the other.
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Knife Edge Trail featuring tranquil scenes and landscape views

4. Park Point

In a national park filled with enthralling archaeological history and sensational natural views, Park Point literally stands tall above the rest. At an elevation of 8,572 feet (2,613 meters), Park Point is the highest spot in Mesa Verde National Park. Come here to admire far-reaching vistas, hike, picnic and learn about the importance of early wildfire detection.
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Park Point featuring tranquil scenes and landscape views

5. Spruce Tree House

As the best-preserved cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park, and the largest after Cliff Palace and Long House, Spruce Tree House is a favorite to visit at any time of year. Built between A.D. 1211 and 1278 by the Ancestral Puebloan people of southwestern America, the impressive dwelling features about 130 rooms and eight ceremonial kiva chambers. Note that the large alcove housing the dwelling measures 216 feet (66 meters) wide and 89 feet (27 meters) deep at its greatest width and depth.
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Mesa Verde National Park featuring a ruin and heritage elements

6. Soda Canyon Overlook Trail

For hikers of all levels, the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail is a great place to visit during your trip to Mesa Verde National Park. Follow the easy, family-friendly walk leading to great views of Balcony House and Soda Canyon’s other archaeological sites. The park has 5,000 known sites, including 600 cliff dwellings.
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Soda Canyon Overlook Trail

7. Petroglyph Point Trail

While many other prominent petroglyphs in Mesa Verde can be seen only during a guided tour, you can view the wall art perched above Petroglyph Point Trail independently. Follow this 2-mile (3-kilometer) loop trail to view the ancient art as well as the attractive surrounding scenery.
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Petroglyph Point Trail showing tranquil scenes

8. Long House

Filling a sandstone alcove that is 298 feet (91 meters) long, Long House is one of the most fascinating ancestral dwellings within the entire Mesa Verde National Park. The site features about 150 rooms and 21 kivas (ceremonial structures) and may have been inhabited by 175 people at one time.
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Long House featuring heritage architecture and building ruins

What to do in Mesa Verde National Park

Free Things to Do in Mesa Verde National Park

An escape to Mesa Verde National Park doesn't have to cost a lot. You won't even need your wallet if you go to:

Far View Sites - Bring your camera and let Mother Nature awaken awe and wonder in you.

Things to Do in Mesa Verde National Park with Kids

Mesa Verde National Park has plenty of close by fun things to do for you and your kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew happy for days.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Mesa Verde National Park? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Mesa Verde National Park

Cliff Palace showing a ruin and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Cliff Palace

5/5(149 reviews)

Explore this immense 700-year-old cliff dwelling, the largest and most famous ancestral residence in the impressive Mesa Verde National Park.

Cliff Palace
Balcony House which includes heritage elements

Balcony House

4.5/5(119 reviews)

Careful excavations have ensured the preservation of this historical cliff dwelling, which was built by the ancestors of the Pueblo Indians.

Balcony House
Park Point featuring tranquil scenes and landscape views

Park Point

5/5(24 reviews)

Gaze at geological formations spread across four states and see a historic fire lookout at this panoramic place, the highest point in Mesa Verde National Park.

Park Point
Knife Edge Trail featuring tranquil scenes and landscape views

Knife Edge Trail

4.5/5(19 reviews)

Covering a section of the original access road into Mesa Verde National Park, this short yet scenic trail features wonderful views of the surrounding valley.

Knife Edge Trail
Mesa Verde National Park featuring a ruin and heritage elements

Spruce Tree House

4.5/5(95 reviews)

If you have time to see only one of Mesa Verde National Park’s cliff dwellings, make it this beautifully preserved site, visible from the museum.

Spruce Tree House
Soda Canyon Overlook Trail

Soda Canyon Overlook Trail

For an easy hike with good views of several ruins in Mesa Verde National Park, choose this short stroll to the canyon edge.

Soda Canyon Overlook Trail
Petroglyph Point Trail showing tranquil scenes

Petroglyph Point Trail

4.5/5(25 reviews)

Get a close-up view of ruins and fascinating native rock art on this hiking path, as you learn about the cultural treasures of Mesa Verde National Park.

Petroglyph Point Trail
Far View Sites

Far View Sites

4.5/5(37 reviews)

You can browse the exhibits at Far View Sites, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Mesa Verde National Park. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Far View Sites
Long House featuring heritage architecture and building ruins

Long House

5/5(77 reviews)

Considered to be Mesa Verde National Park’s second-largest cliff dwelling, this ancient structure is part of a very rewarding guided tour.

Long House

 

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Popular day trips from Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park showing tranquil scenes, mountains and landscape views

Cortez

Mesa Verde National Park showing signage

Mancos

Photo by Rick Tuers

Towaoc

Frequently asked questions

Is Mesa Verde National Park worth visiting?
Whether you want to discover the cultural hotspots and local charm or sample regional foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Mesa Verde National Park.
How do I spend a day in Mesa Verde National Park?
Begin your day with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park Entrance and Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center. Then, tour different parts of Mesa Verde National Park for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Mesa Verde National Park?
The top tourist attraction in Mesa Verde National Park is Mesa Verde National Park Entrance, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Mesa Verde National Park?
You can easily visit top sights like Mesa Verde National Park Entrance, Spruce Tree House and Park Point with a three-day escape to Mesa Verde National Park. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Cortez.
What are some activities to do in Mesa Verde National Park with kids?
Planning what to do in Mesa Verde National Park with kids has never been so easy. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.
What to do in Mesa Verde National Park for adults?
Adults of all ages will find plenty of things to do in Mesa Verde National Park. Whether you're into art, history, outdoor adventures or just enjoy visiting new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Mesa Verde National Park?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Mesa Verde National Park. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Soda Canyon Overlook Trail is a must for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.

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