# Mesa Verde National Park

> Mesa Verde in Colorado protects more than 5,000 archaeological sites. The major cliff dwellings require a reservation on a ranger-led tour.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/mesa-verde/

Mesa Verde in Colorado protects more than 5,000 archaeological sites. The major cliff dwellings require a reservation on a ranger-led tour.

- **State:** Colorado
- **Established:** 1906
- **Best season:** May–Oct
- **UNESCO:** World Heritage Site, 1978
- **Nearest town:** Cortez

## Before you go

- To enter the major cliff dwellings you need a reservation on a ranger-led tour; Step House is the exception. Reservations open 14 days ahead and fill quickly.
- Morefield Campground is the park's main campground. Check season, size limits and fire rules on the park's page before you go.
- Wetherill Mesa and some visitor services close in winter. The Visitor and Research Center closes only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

## Planning

Cliff Palace, Balcony House and Long House can only be entered on ranger-led tours. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, open 14 days in advance and sell out quickly, although cancellations sometimes free up places shortly before a tour. Tours run from spring to autumn, and Long House starts later than the others. Tours differ in effort: Cliff Palace has four ladders, and Balcony House is described as especially adventurous.

## Camping

Morefield Campground is the park's main camping facility. The park's page holds the details on season, reservations, fire policy and facilities, so check it for current rules. The park does not list vehicle length limits on the pages used here, so ask the park before you bring a large RV. The park entrance is about 9 miles (about 14 km) east of Cortez, the nearest town.

## FAQs

**Can I visit the cliff dwellings without a tour reservation?**
No. Cliff Palace, Balcony House and Long House require a reservation on a ranger-led tour; Step House is the exception. Reservations open 14 days ahead through Recreation.gov. Book early for summer dates.

**Is Mesa Verde open in winter?**
The park stays open, but some areas, including Wetherill Mesa, and visitor services close in winter. The Visitor and Research Center is closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

**How big is the archaeological record?**
The park holds more than 5,000 archaeological sites, including about 600 cliff dwellings. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

## Places to see

- [Mesa Verde National Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/mesa-verde/)
- [Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot](https://camping-spirit.com/places/durango-silverton-depot/)
- [Four Corners Monument](https://camping-spirit.com/places/four-corners/)
- [Aztec Ruins National Monument](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-aztec-ruins/)
- [Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-bisti/)
- [Telluride](https://camping-spirit.com/places/telluride-box-canyon/)
- [Million Dollar Highway](https://camping-spirit.com/places/million-dollar/)
- [Chaco Culture National Historical Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-chaco/)