Things to Do in Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a unique and fascinating destination located in southwestern Colorado. The park is known for its well-preserved cliff dwellings and ancient ruins, which offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the region over a thousand years ago. However, Mesa Verde National Park offers much more than just history and archaeology. Here are some of the top things to do in the park:

1. Visit the Cliff Dwellings The cliff dwellings are the main attraction of Mesa Verde National Park, and for good reason. These well-preserved structures were built into the cliffs by the Ancestral Puebloans over a thousand years ago and offer a unique glimpse into their way of life. There are several cliff dwellings that visitors can explore, including the famous Cliff Palace, which is the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Ranger-led tours are available for many of the cliff dwellings, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the history and significance of these ancient structures.

• Hiking Mesa Verde National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging hikes. The park’s trails wind through canyons, forests, and up to high mesa tops, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Petroglyph Point Trail, which leads to a rock panel covered in ancient petroglyphs, and the Prater Ridge Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and canyons.
• Camping Mesa Verde National Park has two campgrounds that offer a unique camping experience. Morefield Campground is the larger of the two and offers RV and tent camping, as well as cabins and a general store. Far View Lodge and Campground is located at the top of the mesa and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Both campgrounds offer easy access to the park’s hiking trails and attractions.

4. Scenic Drives Mesa Verde National Park offers several scenic drives that allow visitors to explore the park’s stunning landscape from the comfort of their car. The Mesa Top Loop Drive is a 6-mile drive that offers panoramic views of the park’s high mesa tops and canyons. The Wetherill Mesa Road is a 12-mile drive that takes visitors to several of the park’s lesser-known cliff dwellings, including the Long House and Step House.
5. Ranger-Led Programs Mesa Verde National Park offers a variety of ranger-led programs that provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the park’s history and ecology. These programs include guided hikes, talks, and demonstrations, and cover a wide range of topics. Some of the most popular programs include the Sunset Program, which provides visitors with stunning views of the sunset from the top of the mesa, and the Evening Program, which takes place in the park’s outdoor amphitheater and covers a variety of topics related to the park’s history and ecology.
6. Photography Mesa Verde National Park offers photographers a wealth of opportunities to capture stunning images of the park’s landscape and architecture. The park’s cliff dwellings and ancient ruins provide a unique subject matter, while the park’s stunning vistas and wildlife offer additional photo opportunities. The park’s various hiking trails provide easy access to some of the best photography spots in the park.
7. Wildlife Viewing Mesa Verde National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, coyotes, and black bears. The park’s various hiking trails and scenic drives provide visitors with the opportunity to view these animals in their natural habitat. Visitors should be sure to observe all park regulations regarding wildlife and should never approach or feed any animals.

Mesa Verde National Park offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people. With a variety of activities to choose from, there is something for everyone in this unique and historic park. From exploring ancient cliff dwellings to hiking through breathtaking landscapes, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and fascinating history of Mesa Verde.

One of the most popular activities in Mesa Verde National Park is touring the ancient cliff dwellings. These impressive structures were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people over 700 years ago, and they are among the best preserved examples of early Native American architecture in the United States. The park offers guided tours of several cliff dwellings, including the iconic Cliff Palace, which is the largest and most famous of all the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde. Other popular cliff dwellings to visit include Balcony House, Spruce Tree House, and Long House.

In addition to touring the cliff dwellings, visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails. With over 70 miles of trails to choose from, hikers can enjoy everything from short walks to more strenuous hikes that take them deep into the backcountry. Some popular hiking trails in Mesa Verde include the Petroglyph Point Trail, the Spruce Canyon Trail, and the Knife Edge Trail. Visitors can also participate in ranger-led hikes, which offer a unique perspective on the park’s history and natural features.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, Mesa Verde also offers several scenic drives. The Mesa Top Loop Road is a 6-mile drive that takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The Far View Drive is another popular scenic drive that takes visitors to the highest point in the park, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

In addition to hiking, touring the cliff dwellings, and scenic drives, Mesa Verde also offers a variety of other activities for visitors to enjoy. The park has several picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal while taking in the natural beauty of the park. Visitors can also attend ranger-led programs and demonstrations, such as pottery making or traditional Native American dances. The park also has a museum and visitor center, where visitors can learn more about the history and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

One of the most unique features of Mesa Verde National Park is its rich cultural heritage. The park is home to over 5,000 archaeological sites, including the cliff dwellings, pit houses, and other structures that were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people. These structures offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of these early Native American communities, and provide important insights into their culture and way of life. Visitors to the park can learn about the Ancestral Pueblo people through guided tours, exhibits, and ranger-led programs.

Mesa Verde National Park also offers visitors a chance to connect with the natural beauty of the area. The park is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including elk, deer, coyotes, and black bears. The park’s rugged terrain and unique geology create a variety of habitats, from high-elevation spruce forests to desert scrublands. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the park by hiking, camping, or simply taking in the stunning vistas.

Camping is a popular activity in Mesa Verde National Park, and there are several campgrounds to choose from. The Morefield Campground is the park’s largest campground, and it offers both tent and RV sites. The campground is located in a wooded area, and it has a variety of amenities, including a camp store, laundry facilities, and a gas station.