Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park

Activities, attractions and tours

Mesa Verde National Park which includes landscape views, a gorge or canyon and tranquil scenes
Mesa Verde National Park which includes signage
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park showing land animals
Mesa Verde National Park
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What to do in Mesa Verde National Park

Popular places to visit

Cliff Palace featuring a ruin and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Cliff Palace

Explore this immense 700-year-old cliff dwelling, the largest and most famous ancestral residence in the impressive Mesa Verde National Park.

Cliff Palace
Balcony House featuring heritage elements

Balcony House

Careful excavations have ensured the preservation of this historical cliff dwelling, which was built by the ancestors of the Pueblo Indians.

Balcony House
Mesa Verde National Park which includes a ruin and heritage elements

Spruce Tree House

If you have time to see only one of Mesa Verde National Park’s cliff dwellings, make it this beautifully preserved site, visible from the museum.

Spruce Tree House
Park Point featuring tranquil scenes and landscape views

Park Point

Gaze at geological formations spread across four states and see a historic fire lookout at this panoramic place, the highest point in Mesa Verde National Park.

Park Point
Soda Canyon Overlook Trail

Soda Canyon Overlook Trail

For an easy hike with good views of several ruins in Mesa Verde National Park, choose this short stroll to the canyon edge.

Soda Canyon Overlook Trail
Long House showing a ruin and heritage architecture

Long House

Considered to be Mesa Verde National Park’s second-largest cliff dwelling, this ancient structure is part of a very rewarding guided tour.

Long House
Step House Trail which includes heritage elements and building ruins as well as a small group of people

Step House Trail

This short and steep path leads to a special cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park that can be viewed as part of a free self-guided tour.

Step House Trail
Petroglyph Point Trail featuring tranquil scenes

Petroglyph Point Trail

Get a close-up view of ruins and fascinating native rock art on this hiking path, as you learn about the cultural treasures of Mesa Verde National Park.

Petroglyph Point Trail
Knife Edge Trail which includes landscape views and tranquil scenes

Knife Edge Trail

Covering a section of the original access road into Mesa Verde National Park, this short yet scenic trail features wonderful views of the surrounding valley.

Knife Edge Trail

Frequently asked questions

Is Mesa Verde National Park worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the local charm and cultural hotspots or try regional foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in Mesa Verde National Park.
How do I spend a day in Mesa Verde National Park?
After you've visited major attractions like Mesa Verde National Park Entrance and Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, spend some time discovering Mesa Verde National Park's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Mesa Verde National Park?
The top tourist attraction in Mesa Verde National Park is Mesa Verde National Park Entrance, so make sure to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Mesa Verde National Park?
You can easily tour top sights like Mesa Verde National Park Entrance, Park Point and Spruce Tree House with a three-day escape to Mesa Verde National Park. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Cortez.
What are some activities to do in Mesa Verde National Park with kids?
Planning what to do in Mesa Verde National Park with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them entertained here.
What to do in Mesa Verde National Park for adults?
Adults of all ages will have plenty of things to do in Mesa Verde National Park. Whether you're into history, art, nature or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Mesa Verde National Park?
In Mesa Verde National Park, Soda Canyon Overlook Trail is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Mesa Verde National Park.