Hours of Operation

Closures

While much of the park is open, Mesa Verde has several safety and project-related closures in place. Follow the link for more information on current closures.

 

Road Work

Road work will be active throughout the park. Please allow extra time to reach your destination, drive slowly, and be alert to workers and heavy equipment.

 

The snowcapped La Plata Mountains rise to the northeast of Mesa Verde

NPS/Kayla McCraren

Hours of Operation

The park is always open, except under emergency conditions. Sites, picnic areas, and most trails are open 8 am–sunset. Check the park's Facebook page for the most current information on closures.

 

Visitor & Research Center

Plan your visit and learn more about the park at the Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center.
May 28 – August 12 | 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, DAILY
August 13 – December 31 | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, DAILY
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
January 2 – May 27 | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, DAILY

Mesa Verde Museum

Learn more about the ancestral people of Mesa Verde and enjoy the park film.
May 28 – August 12 | 8:30 am to 4:30pm, DAILY
August 13 – December 31 | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, DAILY
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
May 11 – May 27 | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, DAILY

Park Point

A short walk to the highest point in the park, at 8,572 feet (2,612 m), offers spectacular views across the Four Corners Region and a great place to enjoy the night sky.
Open 24 Hours, DAILY

Cliff Palace Loop Road

A 6-mile (10 km) drive with overlooks of cliff dwellings and access to the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail.
Open 8 am to Sunset, DAILY

Mesa Top Loop Road

A 6-mile (10 km) driving tour through 700 years of Ancestral Pueblo history.
Open 8 am to Sunset, DAILY

Far View Sites

An easy ¾-mile (1.2 km) walk through pinyon-juniper forest connects a community of mesa-top farming villages and an ancient reservoir. Parking limited to vehicles under 25 feet (7.5 m).
Open 8 am to Sunset, DAILY

Cedar Tree Tower

This small tower-kiva complex offers insite into Ancestral Pueblo life on the mesa and access to the Farming Terrace Loop Trail.
Open 8 am to Sunset, DAILY

Spruce Tree House

Spurce Tree House can be viewed from the Spruce Tree House Overlook, however access into the site is closed due to rockfall danger. For more information see Closures.

Hiking Trails

Hiking trails do not close, except under emergency and winter conditions.

Cliff Dwelling Tours

Cliff dwellings can only be visited on a ticketed tour with a ranger. The 2023 tour season will run from May 14 through October 21. Tickets are required and are available online 14 days in advance of tour. Read more about Cliff Dwelling Tours and buy tickets on Recreation.gov.

Evening Programs

Evening programs will be held daily at the Morefield Campground Amphitheater throughout the summer season.
May 26 – July 15 | 9:00 pm, DAILY
July 16 – August 12 | 8:30 pm, DAILY

Wetherill Mesa - Closed

Due to ongoing construction, the Wetherill Mesa area of Mesa Verde National Park will be closed for the 2023 summer season.

 

Food & Lodging

Lodging, dining, and gift shops are operated by Aramark, the official park concessionaire. Follow the links for more information on restaurants, the Far View Lodge, Morefield Campground, and Aramark's Visit Mesa Verde page.

Far View Terrace

Gifts, café, and dining.
May 25 – September 6, 2023 | 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Breakfast: 7:00 am - 10:00 am; Lunch: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
September 7 – October 18, 2023 | 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
CLOSED for season October 29, 2023

Far View Lodge

Lodging, gift shop; front desk open 24 hours.
April 19 – October 19, 2023
CLOSED for season October 19, 2023

Metate Room

Dinner at Far View Lodge.
May 25 – September 7, 2023 | 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm
September 8 – October 18 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
CLOSED for season October 18, 2023

Far View Lounge

Drinks and Pub Eats at Far View Lodge.
May 25 – September 7, 2023 | 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm
September 8 – September 30 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
CLOSED for season October 1, 2023

Spruce Tree Terrace

Casual dining and gift shop.
May 25 – August 10, 2023 | 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
August 11 – October 1, 2023 | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Morefield Campground

Tent & RV camping.
Camping (Services Available): May 15 – October 11, 2023
Off-Season Limited Camping (No Services Offered): October 12 – October 26, 2023
CLOSED for season October 27, 2023

Morefield Campground Store

Groceries and gifts.
May 20 – September 6, 2023 | 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
September 7 – October 11, 2023 | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
CLOSED for season October 12, 2023

Morefield Gas Station

Gas and air; no other services.
Open 24 hours

Knife Edge Café

Breakfast at Campground Store.
May 15 – October 12, 2023 | 7:00 am to 10:00 am