Top Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Mesa Verde National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
An archaeological preserve offering self-guided walking tours, museum exhibits and videos.
1. Cliff Palace
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,452 reviews
An ancient cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park.
Reviewed By sullislp - Warwick, United States
We purchased our tickets the afternoon before for a morning Cliff Palace tour and were so glad we did. The Park Ranger, Kim, was informative, witty, and did an excellent job answering a variety of questions from both young and old. Yes, there was some climbing up and down and into a few tight spaces, but well worth it so you are able to get an up close look at this amazing place. We were happy we chose a morning tour, before the sun was too hot.
2. Long House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 262 reviews
Reviewed By Sailuver - Minneapolis, United States
Incredible structures that I would call art. Pictures don't do it justice. Please take water and be honest about your fitness level or you will be a drag on the entire group
3. Park Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By FYL003 - Chicago, United States
We arrived at the park before 9 am and this was the first stop. We pulled in the parking lot, walked up some steps. Due to being the highest point in the park, we did feel a bit of the elevation. However, it is very doable. Once reached the top, there is a short walking path surrounding the watch tower for a 360 degree view. The air was fresh, there were hardly anyone. A great way to enjoy the outdoor. Highly recommend making a stop here.
4. Ruins Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Scenic drives that offer visitors dramatic views of Anasazi cliff dwellings.
Reviewed By J9300DBsuel
This was a nice road with a good number of vehicles, but not so crowded so you could enjoy pulling off to see different cliff dwellings. Parking was not an issue. We really enjoyed our time there.
5. Spruce Tree House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 591 reviews
Reviewed By ccindyk48 - Westville, United States
After you pass Cedar Tree House on the park scenic road, you come to a 3 way stop. Turn right & you are on the Spruce Tree Loop road. There's a picnic area first road to your right & we had lunch there. We were the ONLY ones having lunch there! Bathrooms are closed in the picnic area. The road loops around & you come to a parking lot on your left. Park here or continue on - there's more parking along the road. The restrooms are further on too. Spruce Tree House is on a paved path to the right of the museum. There's a viewing area about 500 feet down that gives you a good view. If walking isn't easy for you or you want a REALLY good picture go to the porch on the building to the right of the path. I don't know what the building is used for, but they have chairs on the porch!
6. Mesa Verde Tour Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
National Association for Interpretation Certified (NAI) professional guides make the history of Mesa Verde come alive with captivating storytelling of a people who evolved from hunter-gatherers into a culture known for agriculture, intricate artistry, and architecture. Your expert guide will explain the fascinating architectural details, as well as local flora and fauna, artifacts and natural resources and their significance to the Ancestral Puebloans. Guided Mesa Verde tours begin in our comfortable coaches as they transport you to Chapin Mesa. Short walks on simple trails take you to the earliest Mesa Top sites and to the magnificent and more adventurous Cliff Palace – the largest and most awe-inspiring cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park.
7. Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
8. Step House
9. Soda Canyon Overlook Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By NatParkHikerJess - Peoria, United States
We had wanted to hike Knife Edge, but since it was closed due to fire danger, we did this one instead. We were not disappointed. It is a fairly easy trail with some up and down that brings you out to some wonderful overlooks of cliff dwellings and the canyon. Just beautiful! There are some areas of shade on this trail but it's still a lot of sun and very hot mid-day. I would try for morning or evening.
10. Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By NXTTRP - St. Petersburg, United States
The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is an excellent example of the efficiency which is possible with proper organizational and talented employees. They are divided into sections, with different folks assigned to certain tasks. We had questions, we wanted information, we bought tickets and we bought gifts. All done quickly and with expertise. This is also a very handsome venue, well outfitted with exhibits and maps. Parking is also well organized. We were impressed!
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