Mesa Verde National Park Tours
Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906 to preserve and interpret the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home from 600 to 1300 CE. Today, the park protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States.
Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906 to preserve and interpret the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home from 600 to 1300 CE. Today, the park protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States.
Need to Know
- How to book tour reservations
Daily tours of Cliff Palace and Balcony House are scheduled to start May 6 and Square Tower House May 24. NOTE: In 2024, all Ranger-Led tours will require reservations through the Recreation.gov website or toll free number 1-877-444-6777. For more information on the variety of tours offered next season, please visit the Mesa Verde National Park Cliff Dwelling Tours page .
- Reservations
- During the ticket season which typically runs from May to October, tickets will go on sale 14 days in advance at 8:00 a.m MST, on a rolling daily window. For example, tickets would go on sale April 22 for tours on May 6.
- PLAN AHEAD! All 2024 tours will require reservations. Tours are limited and sell out daily, especially on holiday and weekend dates. Cliff Palace is limited to 50, Balcony House to 35, and Square Tower House to 10 participants per tour.
- If booking more than one tour on the same day, please ensure you allow enough time to drive from one site to another and allow adequate time between tours. Please follow the suggested tour times listed on each tour page.
- Tour Reservation Receipt
Important! Please either print your reservation confirmation email or save a screenshot on your mobile device before arriving at the park. You will present this to the ranger before your tour. No other ticket will be provided. Cell service is extremely limited in the park and rangers cannot access tour reservation lists.
- Health Warning
- All tours are appropriate for well-prepared hikers, but are strenuous, so please consider your physical health before choosing a tour/hike, espicially if you have heart or respiratory problems, or other physical difficulties.Elevations ranges between 7,000 and 7,500 feet (2134 , and 2286 m) above sea level.
- We suggest wearing sturdy shoes or boots and bring plenty of water.Your safety depends on your good judgement, adequate preperation, and constant attention.
- Children must be able to walk the extent of the trails and climb all ladders on their own without diffculty. All infants must be carried in backpacks while on tours and adults carrying children in backpacks must be able to maintain mobility and balance.
- Entrance Fees and Passes
- All visitors to Mesa Verde National Park must present a pass (Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Military Pass, Interagency Access Pass, or an annual 4th Grade Pass) or pay an entrance fee upon arrival (or purchase a digital site pass in advance).
- Please be prepared to present your hard copy pass or digital pass on your mobile device. Please also have your photo I.D. available to present to the ranger with your pass. Photo copies or digital pass images will not be accepted if you left your hard copy pass at home.
- Do you already own a pass? Mesa Verde National Park honors the Interagency Annual and lifetime Passes that are valid at multiple national park and federal sites. If you already have a valid Interagency Annual Pass, you will not be required to pay the 7-Day entrance fee. Pass holders must provide their Interagency Annual or Lifetime pass for validation or will be required to pay the entrance fee.
- Are you visiting multiple parks? Upon arrival at Mesa Verde National Park you may purchase Interagency Annual and lifetime passes that allow entry at multiple national parks and federal lands.For information about other pass options, please visit Recreation.gov " Buy a Pass" page or compare the passes at the USGS Pass Store
- The park no longer accepts cash or checks for any entrance fees, Interagency Passes, or ticket reservations. All purchases must be made by credit card only (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or Diners Club). NO CASH ON PREMISE.
- Park Operations
- Although the park is open year-round, overnight accommodations and some areas (including Wetherill Mesa) are closed during the winter months. Be sure to check the park's Operating Hours page or pick up a Visitor Guide upon arrival for details on services available during your visit.
- The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is open from 8:30 am -4:00 pm, daily. The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum open from 10:00 am- 3:00 pm daily.
- Food and Drink
Only plain water is allowed on any tour. Candy, tobacco or gum are NOT permitted into any cliff dwelling.
- Morefield Campground
Morefield Campground at Mesa Verde National Park is operated by Aramark . You may book online at Aramark's Mesa Verde website or call 1-800-449-2288. The campground will re-open April 26.
- Timed Ticket Entry
Mesa Verde National Park does not require a Timed Ticket Entry to enter the park.
Booking Windows
In 2024 tour reservations will be available 14 days in advance, 8:00 am MST, on a rolling daily window. (For example, reservations for May 6 will be available starting Apr 22 at 8:00 am MDT. All Ranger-Led tours require a tour reservation.
Booking a reservation in advance is strongly encouraged. All tour reservations will be sold online or by calling 877-444-6777. No reservations are reserved in person. The park does not have a waiting list available. We recommend to check recration.gov for any cancellations.
Changes and Cancellations
Cancellations must be completed at least 24-hours before your scheduled tour start time for a full refund minus the non-refundable per-ticket reservation fee. Refunds will not be given for tours cancelled or modified less than 24-hours before the scheduled tour time.All reservations are NON-TRANSFERABLE AND NON-REFUNDABLE unless the tour is cancelled by the National Park Service.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
PO Box 8 Mesa Verde CO 81330
Phone Number
970-529-4465
