Mesa Verde National Park Activities

IF YOU HAVE ONE HALF DAY OR LESS...
Plan to spend at least four hours at Mesa Verde. Two hours of this time will be spent driving in and out of the park.
•Your first stop should be at the Far View Visitor Center (15 miles from the park entrance) for information and orientation.
•Visit the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and Spruce Tree House -or- drive the Mesa Top Loop Road (six-mile loop).

IF YOU HAVE ONE DAY...
•Stop at the Far View Visitor Center to purchase tickets ($3.00) to visit Cliff Palace or Balcony House.
•Drive the Cliff Palace/Balcony House Loop Road. If you plan to visit Cliff Palace or Balcony House, be sure to purchase your tickets at the Far View Visitor Center first.
•Visit the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, take a self-guided tour of Spruce Tree House, -and- drive the Mesa Top Loop Road (six-mile loop).
•Hike the Far View Sites Complex.

IF YOU HAVE ONE DAY (alternative)...
•Stop at the Far View Visitor Center to purchase tickets ($3.00) to visit Long House on Wetherill Mesa.
•Take the Wetherill Mesa Drive, hike the trails to the mesa top sites and cliff dwelling overlooks, and enjoy the tram service.
•Join a ranger for your ticketed tour to Long House. Be sure to purchase your tickets ($3.00) at the Far View Visitor Center before driving to Wetherill Mesa.
•Take a self-guided tour of Step House.

IF YOU HAVE TWO DAYS OR MORE (one day activities plus)...
•Stop at the Far View Visitor Center to purchase tickets to visit all three cliff dwellings (Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House).
•Hike one or more of Mesa Verde's hiking trails.


Cross Country Skiing

Winter activities such as cross country skiing and snowshoeing at Mesa Verde can be a very peaceful experience. Many times you may be the only person around. Because most of the trees are bare, wildlife is more visible in the winter. You may even be able to find their tracks in the snow.

In recent years, there has not been enough snow to cross country ski or snowshoe except for a few days during the winter after a heavy snowfall. Colorado's dry climate and sunshine cause the snow to melt quickly after a snow storm. Please call (970) 529-4461 for current park road and cross country skiing and snowshoeing conditions.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to cross country ski or snowshoe in Mesa Verde National Park, you will not be disappointed. Two park roads listed below are designated for cross country skiing and snowshoeing when snow permits. Skiing or snowshoeing in the backcountry of Mesa Verde National Park or other park roads is not permitted.
Cliff Palace Loop Road
Six mile loop, relatively flat, no avalanche danger. Located off the Mesa Top Loop Road, the Cliff Palace Loop Road is closed to vehicles after the first snowfall. It reopens in the spring once all snow is melted. Skiers and snowshoers can park at the closed gate. One mile from the closed gate is the overlook to Cliff Palace. Along the road are also numerous overlooks with scenic views to other cliff dwellings which can make for a full-day adventure.

Morefield Campground Loop Roads
Multiple miles depending on route, relatively flat, no avalanche danger. The park campground is closed from the end of October until late April. The road to the campground is closed to vehicles. Skiers and snowshoers can park at the closed gate.