Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves the cliff dwellings and cultural heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived here over 700 years ago. Guided tours, scenic drives, and overlooks reveal their ingenuity, artistry, and connection to the land. 

MUST-DO CHECKLIST

• Take a Guided Tour of a Cliff Dwelling – Reserve a ranger-led tour at Recreation.gov to explore Cliff Palace or Balcony House and see these ancient cliffside homes up close.
• Go on a Backcountry Tour – Visit lesser-seen cliff dwellings like Square Tower House or Oak Tree House on special ranger-guided excursions through Mesa Verde’s backcountry.
• Drive the Mesa Top Loop Road – Follow this 6-mile scenic loop with overlooks, interpretive sites, and sweeping views of Cliff Palace and Square Tower House.
• Hike the Park’s Trails – Explore nearly 30 miles of trails, including the Knife Edge Trail and Soda Canyon Overlook Trail, with vistas of mesas and canyons.
• Explore the Mesa Verde Museum – Discover exhibits and artifacts that reveal Ancestral Pueblo life. Watch a short orientation film, then step outside for views of Spruce Tree House.

Itinerary Idea: Explore Mesa Verde’s cliff dwellings and canyon vistas with a self-guided audio tour that weaves history and geology into every stop. It’s an easy, go-at-your-own-pace adventure that gives both first-timers and returning visitors fresh insights into the park.

Photo Credit: Alec Krum/Unsplash