Basic Information

Trip Planning Links

• Operating Hours and Seasons
• Visiting in Spring
• Visiting in Fall
• Alerts Closures and Conditions
• Cliff Dwelling Tours
• Camping
• Lodging
• Assessibility

Mesa Verde National Park is Open Year-round

Reservations are not required to enter the park, however an entry fee or pass is necessary.
The Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center and Mesa Verde Museum are open all year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Some park areas including Wetherill Mesa and visitor services are closed during the winter months. Visit the Current Conditions for additional information. 
 

• For current weather forecasts please visit the National Weather Service.
• A printable park map along with area maps are found on the Maps page. Go to winter activities for winter trail maps. 
• Learn the best ways to visit with your pets.

 

 

Physical Address

This address is for the Visitor and Research Center which is the first visitor contact location after exiting Hwy 160. Mesa top ancestral sites, Cliff dwellings, tours, the Mesa Verde Museum and park headquarters are 20 to 21 miles (approximately 45 minutes) south along the park road. 

34840 Hwy 160
Mancos, CO 81328

Directions

Mesa Verde National Park is in Southwest Colorado. The park entrance and the Visitor and Research Center are located ten miles east of Cortez, nine miles west of Mancos, and about 35 miles west of Durango, Colorado along Hwy 160. Mesa top ancestral sites, Cliff dwellings, tours, and the Mesa Verde Museum are 20 to 21 miles (approximately 45 minutes) south along the park road which which is steep, narrow, and winding.

Directions Details

Operating Hours & Seasons

The park is open daily except for emergency conditions especially during winter when there may be delayed openings or temporary closures.The Visitor & Research Center and Mesa Verde Museum are open all year but closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

All Park Hours

• Every Day:Open 24 hours

The park is open daily except for emergency conditions. The Visitor & Research Center and Mesa Verde Museum are open all year but closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Ancestral sites, picnic areas, and trails are open 8 am to sunset. Some park areas including Wetherill Mesa, campground, and other visitor services are closed during winter. Cliff dwelling tours are mid-May through late October. Reservations are required and available 14 days in advance of tour date online at www.recreation.gov.

Weather

SPRING: This season offers a range of weather including clear skies, wind, rain, cloudy days and temperatures from 40–70°F (4–21° C). Snow may fall into May. SUMMER: Most days are sunny and temperatures can reach above 90°F (32°C) . Thunderstorms are common in July and August. FALL: Temperatures range from 50–75°F (10–24°C). Snow may fall as early as October. WINTER: Temps range from the teens to low 30s F (below -1°C) . Icy roads are common. Snow tires, all-wheel drive, or chains may be required.

Current forecast and average temperatures

Fees & Passes

If you already have an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, that's the only entrance pass you need. Seniors, military, visitors with a permanent disability, and families with a 4th grader are eligible for a free or discounted America the Beautiful pass. If you do not possess any valid pass, click the link for information about entrance fees and passes. 

Entrance Fee (Standard Entrance Pass)

Type	Dates	Cost
Private Vehicle	May 1–October 22	$30.00
Private Vehicle	October 23–April 30	$20.00
Motorcycle	May 1–October 22	$25.00
Motorcycle	October 23–April 30	$15.00
Per Person	May 1–October 22	$15.00
Per Person	October 23–December 31	$15.00

Other Entrance Passes

Type	Cost
Annual Park Pass	$55.00

Internet & Cellular Access

Public WiFi is available.

Public WiFi is provided by the Mesa Verde Association at the Visitor and Research Center (VRC), and Mesa Verde Museum. Park concessions offer WIFi at Morefield Campground Store, Far View Lodge, Far View Terrace, and Spruce Tree Terrace. Cell service is available around the VRC and park entrance areas. Within the park, limited cell service is dependent on your provider but generally non-existent.

Internet & Cellular Access Details