Mesa Verde National Park
State: Colorado
Size: 52,485 acres
Topography: Cliff Dwellings, Canyon
Peak Season: Summer
Nearest Airport: Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ) – 40 min
Nearest Town: Cortez, CO
Top 5 Hikes
Cliff Palace Loop Trail
Spruce Tree House Trail
Long House Trail
Petroglyph Point Trail
Wetherill Mesa Trail
Points of Interest
Cliff Palace: A cliff dwelling built by the Ancestral Puebloans, offering a fascinating glimpse into their culture and architecture.
Balcony House: A cliff dwelling that requires visitors to climb ladders and squeeze through narrow passages to explore.
Spruce Tree House: One of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the park, showcasing the ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Chapman’s Point Overlook: A breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic views of the park’s canyon and cliff dwellings.
Recreational Opportunities
Cliff Dwelling Tours – Visit ancient Ancestral Puebloan sites like Cliff Palace.
Hiking – Trails to petroglyphs and canyon overlooks.
Scenic Drives – Mesa Top Loop Road features incredible viewpoints.
Wildlife Viewing – Mule deer and wild turkeys are common.
Backcountry Exploration – Remote hiking trails to lesser-known ruins.
Camping
Morefield Campground – Frontcountry, open seasonally with 267 campsites, restrooms, and a campground store.
No backcountry camping allowed in the park.