National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Mesa Verde National ParkView of Spruce Tree House with winter snow
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Mesa Verde National Park
Plan Your Visit
 
Welcome to Mesa Verde sign at entrance to park

NPS Photo

Entrance sign

Whether you are spending a half-day or three days, preplanning will help you make the most of your visit to Mesa Verde National Park. Check out Things To Know Before You Come for help.

 

 


 
View of Cliff Palace with snow at the base of the alcove

NPS Photo

Cliff Palace

Mesa Verde is always open, but opportunities vary from season to season. Visit the Operating Hours & Seasons page for park schedule information. And look for a Visitor Guide on the Brochures page to see what will be available during your trip.

 

 


 
Map of the Chapin Mesa area

NPS Photo

Map of Chapin Mesa

Are you looking for Wetherill Mesa? Planning a hike on the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail or a visit to Cliff Palace? Perhaps you just want to know how far it is to drive from the park entrance to see Spruce Tree House. A map might be just the thing you need. Take a look at the Maps page.


 


 
View of Spruce Tree House

NPS Photo

Spruce Tree House

Mesa Verde is famous for the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings constructed within its cliff alcoves. A trip to Mesa Verde would not be complete without a visit to one of these culturally significant sites. The Cliff Dwellings page explains what sites are open, and whether they are available on a self-guided or guided-tour only basis.



 
School group on trail

NPS Photo

Visitors on trail

Are you a teacher planning a field-trip to Mesa Verde?  Check out the planning information on the For Teachers page.
Image of front page of the Mesa Verde Visitor Guide
Visitor Guide
The park visitor guides and trip planner may be downloaded.
more...
Ranger speaking to visitors at the park
Can't Decide What To Do While At Mesa Verde?
Here are some suggestions for making the most of your time in the park.
more...
 Mesa Verde Museum Association Logo
Mesa Verde Museum Association
publishes guide booklets, scientific monographs and is a major source for park library publications.
more...
ARAMARK logo
ARAMARK/Mesa Verde Company
for information on lodging and camping reservations
more...
Cliff Palace  

Did You Know?
Since 1996, 230 of the 600 cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park have received Condition Assessment.
more...

Last Updated: December 20, 2006 at 16:14 EST