Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park is in Southwestern Colorado. The Mesa Verde Headquarters is a one-hour drive from Cortez, Colorado, heading east on Highway 160 to the park turnoff, and a 1.5 hour drive from Durango, Colorado, heading west on Highway 160 to the park turnoff. Map

Address: Mesa Verde National Park, PO Box 8, Mesa Verde, CO 81330-0008
Phone: Headquarters - 970-529-4465, Visitor Information - 970-529-4465
WebsiteJanuary 1 - May 23, 2009 and September 8 - December 31, 2009 Fee: $10.00
May 24 - September 7, 2009 Fee: $15.00

More information on fees and reservationsThe park is open year round. However, depending on the season, you will be able to experience different aspects of the park. More information.Seeing the ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings will be a highlight of your visit. There are a number of cliff dwellings that can be toured during your visit to Mesa Verde National Park. Most of these can only be visited by taking a ranger-guided tour. Two are open seasonally on a self-guided basis. For more information.Be sure and go to the Farview Visitors Center, especially if you want to visit Cliff Palace, Balcony House, or Long House. If you plan to visit any of these three cliff dwellings, you must purchase tickets there first. After the Far View Visitor Center closes in October, Cliff Palace tour tickets must be purchased at the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. Displays at the Visitors Center will give you a perspective on the history of the area. More information.

Chapin Mesa Archaelogical Musem - The museum is located on Chapin Mesa, 20 miles from the park entrance. More Information.You can hike the trails, do photography, birding and even star-gazing at Mesa Verde. Activities are seasonal, there is an elevation issue - 7,000 feet. It can snow in the winter and get rather hot in the summer so be prepared.Mesa Verde Photo Tour