Mesa Verde National Park Colorado is a unique and beautiful place located in the southwestern United States. The park is known for its ancient cliff dwellings ruins that were built by the Pueblo people who lived in the area over 700 years ago. This article will give you an overview of the park, including its history, how to get there, and what to see and do while you’re there.

For a condensed view of the park feel free to check out rvResortScouts Mesa Verde National Park Information listing.

Park History / General Overview

Mesa Verde is an incredible place with a rich cultural history. The Pueblo people, skilled farmers and builders, lived in the area between 600 and 1300 AD. They were the ones who built the ancient cliff dwelling ruins that visitors can explore today in Mesa Verde. They built their homes in the cliffs to protect themselves from enemies and the harsh weather.

The location of Mesa Verde National Park is in the southwestern United States, specifically in the state of Colorado. It was first established in 1906, with the main goal of protecting and preserving these ancient ruins.

When you visit the park, you will be able to see the remains of these ancient homes, including kivas (underground ceremonial rooms), towers, and terraces. You can also learn more about the Pueblo people who built them by visiting the park’s museum and visitor center.

One of the most popular things to do in the park is to take a ranger-led tour of the ancient cliff dwellings ruins. These tours give visitors an opportunity to explore the ancient homes and learn more about the lives of the Pueblo people who lived there.

The park also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, picnicking and wildlife watching. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, including the Petroglyph Point Trail which has ancient rock art, or the Point Lookout Trail which has great views of the surrounding area.

Mesa Verde Park is a stunning place that lets visitors explore the history and culture of the ancient Pueblo people while enjoying nature’s beauty.

Getting Oriented

When you visit Mesa Verde, you’ll want to know where to go and what to see. The main section of the park is the Chapin Mesa; this is where most of the ancient cliff dwellings ruins are located. Visitors can also explore the Wetherill Mesa, which has several more ancient ruins as well as hiking trails.

There are also several campgrounds and picnic areas in the park. If you plan to camp, it’s good to know that the Morefield Campground has modern facilities and is open year-round. The Chapin Mesa Campground is also open seasonally. You can also find picnic areas throughout the park.

Mesa Verde National Park Essentials

To visit Mesa Verde, you’ll need to drive to the park’s entrance near the town of Cortez, Colorado. Some roads and facilities in Mesa Verde may close in the winter due to snow, but the park is open year-round. Before you go, it’s good to check the park’s website for the latest information on road and trail conditions.

When you arrive at the park, the first place you’ll want to visit is the visitor center. This is where you can get information about the park, purchase tickets for ranger-led tours of the ancient ruins, and find out about the park’s facilities, services and programs. The visitor center is open year-round, but hours may vary depending on the season.

The park has several campgrounds, including the Morefield Campground, which has modern facilities and is open year-round. There is also the Chapin Mesa Campground, which is open seasonally. You can also go backcountry camping in the park, but you must obtain a permit in advance.

It’s important to note that the park has several hiking trails, but some of them are steep and rocky, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Also, some of the ancient ruins can only be accessed on ranger-led tours, so be sure to check the schedule and make reservations in advance if you want to visit them.

Things You Need to Know

When visiting Mesa Verde National Park, there are a few things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable.

• What to Pack: Make sure to bring comfortable shoes and clothing, as well as a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If you’re planning to hike, bring a backpack and plenty of water. If you’re camping, bring a tent and sleeping bag.
• Amount of Food Needed: There are several picnic areas and campgrounds in the park. You can bring your own food or buy it at the visitor center. It’s good to know that the park has a grocery store and a restaurant.
• Hiking Gear: As mentioned, the park has several hiking trails, some of them are steep and rocky. It’s important to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
• Animals in the area: The park is home to many different species of animals, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Visitors should be aware that bears and mountain lions also live in the area, but sightings are rare.
• Cost of Trip: The park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, and it’s valid for 7 days. If you’re planning to camp, the cost ranges from $20 to $30 per night.
• Family Activities: The park offers ranger-led tours and activities that are great for families.
• Conservation: Mesa Verde National Park is a place of great cultural and historical significance. Visitors should be aware that the park’s resources, including the ancient ruins and natural features, are protected by law.
• RV Dos and Don’ts: There are two RV campgrounds: Morefield Campground and Chapin Mesa Campground. Both have RV hookups and dump stations. Visitors should also be aware that the park roads are narrow and winding, so RVs should drive with caution.

Best Hikes In Mesa Verde National Park

The park has many hiking trails to choose from, but here are five of the best hikes you can take to explore the ancient cliff dwellings ruins and the natural beauty of the area.

1. The Spruce Tree House – This is the most well-preserved cliff dwelling in the park. It’s accessible via a self-guided trail, and it’s an easy to moderate hike.
2. The Petroglyph Point Trail – This trail is a 2.4-mile round trip hike that takes you past ancient rock art. The trail is moderate.
3. The Long House Loop Trail – This trail takes you to the Long House cliff dwelling. It’s a moderate hike, and it gives great views of the surrounding area.
4. The Step House Trail – This trail takes you to an ancient cliff dwelling that was built into a cave. It’s a moderate difficulty hike.
5. The Point Lookout Trail – This trail is a short hike to a viewpoint that offers great views of the surrounding area.

Before you go on any hike, be sure to check the trail’s level of difficulty and check the weather forecast. Some trails are steep and rocky, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Also, some ancient ruins can only be accessed on ranger-led tours, so be sure to check the schedule and make reservations in advance if you want to visit them.

Accomodations

Mesa Verde National Park offers several accommodation options for visitors. There are several campgrounds in the park, including the Morefield Campground, which has modern facilities and is open year-round. There is also the Chapin Mesa Campground, which is open seasonally. Both campgrounds offer RV hookups and dump stations.

Backcountry camping allows visitors to explore remote areas of the park and experience the natural beauty of the area, but it comes with some extra responsibilities such as following park’s regulations and following Leave No Trace principles.

For visitors who prefer not to camp, there are several hotels and vacation rentals in the nearby towns of Cortez and Durango.

In summary, Mesa Verde National Park offers several accommodation options for visitors. There are several campgrounds in the park, including the Morefield Campground, which is open year-round and the Chapin Mesa Campground, which is open seasonally. For visitors who prefer not to camp, there are several hotels and vacation rentals in the nearby towns of Cortez and Durango.

Safety

Safety should be a top priority when visiting Mesa Verde National Park. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

• Weather: The park is located at high altitude and the weather can change quickly. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly. Bring warm clothing, even in the summer, and be prepared for rain or snow.
• Hiking: Some of the park’s hiking trails are steep and rocky, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water. Also, be aware of your surroundings and stay on designated trails to avoid getting lost.
• Wildlife: The park is home to many different species of animals, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Visitors should be aware that bears and mountain lions also live in the area, but sightings are rare. If you encounter a wild animal, stay calm and do not approach or feed it.
• Camping: If you’re planning to camp in the park, be sure to follow the park’s regulations and guidelines for camping. Keep a clean campsite, store food properly and be aware of bears.
• First Aid: The park has a first aid station located in the visitor center, but it’s always a good idea to bring a basic first aid kit with you.

Mesa Verde National Park Colorado Wrap Up

In conclusion, the park is a unique and beautiful place that offers visitors the opportunity to explore ancient cliff dwellings ruins and learn about the lives of the Pueblo people who lived there. The park has several hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas, and visitors can also explore the surrounding area for even more outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or outdoor adventure, Mesa Verde National Park has something for everyone.