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Mesa Verde National Park

Designation: National Park

Location: Colorado

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 27 Pueblos and Tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past. This World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park is home to over a thousand species, including several that live nowhere else on earth.

🌤 Weather Information

SPRING: This season offers a range of weather including clear skies, wind, rain, cloudy days and temperatures from 40–70°F (4–21° C). Snow may fall into May. SUMMER: Most days are sunny and temperatures can reach above 90°F (32°C) . Thunderstorms are common in July and August. FALL: Temperatures range from 50–75°F (10–24°C). Snow may fall as early as October. WINTER: Temps range from the teens to low 30s F (below -1°C) . Icy roads are common. Snow tires, all-wheel drive, or chains may be required.

🚗 Directions

Mesa Verde National Park is in Southwest Colorado. The park entrance and the Visitor and Research Center are located ten miles east of Cortez, nine miles west of Mancos, and about 35 miles west of Durango, Colorado along Hwy 160. Mesa top ancestral sites, Cliff dwellings, tours, and the Mesa Verde Museum are 20 to 21 miles (approximately 45 minutes) south along the park road which which is steep, narrow, and winding.

Images

Large cliff dwelling in cliff alcove

Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde's Largest Cliff Dwelling

Credit: NPS Photo

Park visitors visiting a cliff dwelling

Visitors enjoying Step House, on Wetherill Mesa

Credit: NPS Photo

A cliff dwelling within a cliff alcove seen from across a canyon

View of Balcony House from the Soda Canyon Overlook

Credit: NPS Photo

View of cliff dwelling from above a canyon

Square Tower House from overlook along the Mesa Top Loop

Credit: NPS Photo

View of cliff dwelling from across canyon

Spruce Tree House

Credit: NPS Photo

Within a cliff dwelling

Spruce Tree House, Mesa Verde's third largest and best preserved cliff dwelling

Credit: NPS Photo

Visitor center entrance with sculpture of Ancestral Pueblo climber in front plaza.

Stop by the Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center at the park entrance where park staff will help you plan your visit.

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
This pass if good for 7 days.
$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
This pass is good for 7 days.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
This pass is good for 7 days.
$15.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Purchase digital park entrance passes on recreation.gov at no additional cost. Once purchased, passes for Mesa Verde National Park must be printed or saved on your mobile device prior to use. Connectivity is limited in the park, therefore printing the permit or saving it on your phone is highly recommended. Passes, including the America the Beautiful, National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes, such as the Annual, Access, or Senior pass may be purchased at the entrance station upon arrival.
$20.00
Entrance - Per Person
Purchase digital park entrance passes on recreation.gov at no additional cost. Once purchased, passes for Mesa Verde National Park must be printed or saved on your mobile device prior to use. Connectivity is limited in the park, therefore printing the permit or saving it on your phone is highly recommended. Passes, including the America the Beautiful, National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes, such as the Annual, Access, or Senior pass may be purchased at the entrance station upon arrival.
$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
This pass is good for 7 days.
$15.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
Details: Fee good for a year, beginning from the date of sale.
$55.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Wednesday, Mar 25

Sunny

Sunny

High: 82.9°F | Low: 49.8°F

Humidity: 31%

Wind: 9.8 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 2.3

Sunrise: 07:10 AM

Sunset: 07:31 PM

Moon: First Quarter (41%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 52.2°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Mar 26

Sunny

Sunny

High: 78.1°F | Low: 50.5°F

Humidity: 30%

Wind: 15.9 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 2.2

Sunrise: 07:09 AM

Sunset: 07:32 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (52%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 49.9°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Mar 27

Sunny

Sunny

High: 77°F | Low: 43.5°F

Humidity: 31%

Wind: 26.8 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 2.1

Sunrise: 07:07 AM

Sunset: 07:33 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (63%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 47°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Cliff Dwellings Are Closed During the Winter and Early Spring Seasons Information
Cliff dwelling tours and access to cliff dwellings are closed for the season. Twenty miles (45-minute drive) from the park entrance is the Mesa Verde Museum and Spruce Tree House Overlook. Views of ancestral sites are seen along the Mesa Top Loop Road. Click the link for information about visiting in winter.

More Info

Planned Pile Burning: February 17 – February 19, 2026 Caution
On February 17 – February 19, 2026, fire mangers are planning to conduct a pile burn near the park's headquarters. Smoke and flame may be visible from park roads. Smoke may be visible in nearby communities. Firefighters will be on scene for the duration of the operation.

More Info

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at Mesa Verde Danger
Effective August 8, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., MEVE will enact stage 2 fire restrictions. Wood, charcoal, and coal fires of any kind are not permitted including in Morefield Campground. Please see the press release for more information.

More Info

Visitor and Research Center Closed on 1/13/2026 Information
Due to utility work, the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center will be closed on January 13, 2026. All roads and trails that are normally open in winter will remain open. Restrooms will be available along the Main Park Road and on Chapin Mesa.
Fire Restrictions in Effect at Mesa Verde and Yucca House Caution
Campfires are only allowed in the established, provided fire pits and grills at Morefield Campground. No open fires in Chapin Picnic Area. Smoke only in enclosed vehicles and in areas without vegetation. No fireworks.

More Info

Delayed Opening Due to Snow and Ice Park Closure
Saturday, February 21, 2026: The park and roads will open at 11 am. The Visitor and Research Center opens at noon. If a park-wide closure is required, notification will appear around 10 am. Colorado traction laws will be in effect. Drive cautiously, plows are working.

More Info

Road Construction Begins Information
In late March, simultaneous road improvements begin along the northern end of the Park Road, and the access roads to Cedar Tree Tower and Far View sites in the south. Travel delays up to 30 minutes are possible. Click the link for the park map.

More Info

Fire Restrictions in Effect at Mesa Verde and Yucca House Caution
Campfires are only allowed in the established, provided fire pits and grills at Morefield Campground. No open fires in Chapin Picnic Area. Smoke only in enclosed vehicles and in areas without vegetation. No fireworks.

More Info

Air Quality Notice Information
Wildfires outside of Mesa Verde can affect the park’s air quality. Conditions can change rapidly. With little notice, ranger guided tours may be cancelled if conditions become unhealthy.

More Info

Park Hours may Change due to Winter Storms Caution
Opening delays or temporary closures due to blowing snow, accumulation, and icy roads are likely when these conditions exist. Roads will reopen when snowplows have cleared them for safe two-way travel. Before visiting, check this page for up-to-date information. Colorado Traction Law may apply, see info below. Click link for weather.

More Info

Mesa Verde National Park is Closed Park Closure
Friday, February 20, 2026: The park is closed today due to continued accumulation of snow, ice, and poor visibility along the main park road. This alert is updated daily as the weather changes and safety conditions along the road are evaluated.

More Info

Visitor and Research Center Closed on 1/13/2026 Park Closure
Due to utility work, the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center will be closed on January 13, 2026. All roads and trails that are normally open in winter will remain open. Restrooms will be available along the Main Park Road and on Chapin Mesa.

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
34840 Hwy 160
Mancos, CO 81328

🏤 Mailing Address:
PO Box 8
Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330

📞 Voice Phone: 970-529-4465

📞 Fax Phone: 970-529-4637

✉️ Email: meve_general_information@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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