Operating Hours & Seasons

Park Hours

MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK IS OPEN DAILY, YEAR-ROUND. You can arrive at any time. No reservations are needed to enter the park. The Current Conditions page is the best resource to find information about current operations, closures, and more. During the summer Ancestral sites, picnic areas, and most trails are open 8 am–sunset.

Visitor & Research Center

January 2nd – December 31st, 2024 | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, DAILY
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

Mesa Verde Museum

January 2 - May 5th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, DAILY
May 6 - October 22 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, DAILY
October 23 - December 31 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, DAILY
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

 

What to Know

• Current Conditions
• Basic Info
• Far View Lodge
• Morefield Campground
• Cliff Dwelling Tours

Seasons

Even though the park is open year round, the operating hours for many of the facilities and services change depending on the season. This is also true for concession managed facilities including the campground, lodge, and restaurants. For more concessions information go to visitmesaverde.com and for current conditions, use the links in the What to Know file. 

Keep in mind it is a 45-minute drive from the park entrance to your first view of a cliff dwelling. Hours for visitor services may be temporarily adjusted for safety, staffing, and other circumstances.

 

Visiting in Spring

Spring is a wonderful time to experience Mesa Verde National Park. Parts of the park begin to reopen as the winter chill thaws. Many cliff dwellings, including Cliff Palace (via Sun Temple) and Spruce Tree House, can be seen from overlooks and The Cliff Dwelling tour begins in May.

Winter conditions are possible throughout spring. Watch the weather forecast which often changes from day to day. Delayed openings and temporary park closures are announced on Mesa Verde's Facebook page and will appear on the park website at Current Conditions page. If snow is still on the ground, winter activities may be available and are described on the Winter at Mesa Verde webpage.

Click for more about visiting Mesa Verde in Spring.

 

Summer rain storms are sometimes forecasted and other times unexpected. The

NPS photo 2013

Visiting in Summer

This season has the highest visitation and the most opportunities to experience many aspects of the park, from plants and animals to pits, pueblos, and cliff dwellings. It is also a time of uncertainty especially when it comes to weather. You might encounter rain, storms, extreme heat and strong winds.

Go to Things to Do or click one of these links to learn more about summer activities:
Hiking
Birding
Cliff Dwelling Tours
Stargazing
Evening Programs

 

Visiting in Fall

Fall offers many of the same activities as summer, except for the cliff dwelling tours which end in late October. Fall is quieter, cooler, and a much more intimate time to visit.
Click one of the following links or to Visiting in Fall for suggestions for planning your visit.
Hiking

Download the Mesa Top Loop Audio Tour to experience a Pueblo voice and perspective.