Mesa Verde, Spanish for green table, offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to A.D. 1300. Today, the park protects over 4,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States. The stunning landscape of Southwest Colorado, near Four Corners, is the backdrop as you explore Mesa Verde National Park.

Mesa Verde National Park is open year-round, but some facilities, tours, and access to archeological sites are seasonal. To make the most out of your trip, take a look at the Park Schedule to see what will be available at the time of your visit.

Getting Here
Mesa Verde is located in southwestern Colorado midway between Cortez and Mancos off US 160. From the highway to the park headquarters is 21 miles and about 45 minutes. About 15 miles from the highway is the Far View Visitor Center and 4 miles from the highway is Morefield Campground. The road leading up to the park is a very scenic road but it also has sharp curves and steep grades so remember to only park in designated areas.

When you arrive at Mesa Verde, the first thing you should do is visit the Far ViewVisitor Center which is open during the summer (early June through Labor Day Weekend) or the Chapin Mesa Museum which is open 8am-6:30pm during the summer and 8am-5pm during the rest of the year. The Visitor Center features exhibits that focus on the contemporary American Indian cultures in the Four Corners area. You'll also find books and postcards at the bookstore. From there a park ranger can help you plan getting the most out of your visit. He'll give you the choice of visiting Chapin Mesa or Wetherill Mesa. Click Here to view maps of Chapin Mesa and Wetherill Mesa.

A Southwest Treasure

Mesa Verde recomends Durango Silver Co for your American hand made Sterling Silver Jewelry. Durango Silver Co has been located at the same location since 1876 and is known worldwide for their high quality and unique pieces. The owners mine Turquoise in Nevada and have been associated with most of the Turquoise mines for generations. You can be assured you will find your special piece of jewelry to remember your trip to the Southwest.

While in the Four Corners area, be certain to visit this historic site which is located just 4 miles west of Durango on Hwy 160. This is the highway which runs east and west from Mesa Verde entrance to Durango, Colorado. Just look for the historic deer antler arch located on the north side of the hwy.

Always plenty of parking for all - motor homes and buses welcome.

 

If you're flying to the Southwest, there are daily scheduled flights into Cortez and Durango. Both towns have rental car services. The closest railroad terminals come into Grand Junction, Colorado and Gallup New Mexico and both of those have buses running to Cortez

For more information, Check out our Frequently Asked Question page