History Unfolds Before Your Eyes At Mesa Verde National Park In Colorado
Courtnie Erickson
Author
In Colorful Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park not only offers stunning, mesmerizing views, but it also gives visitors a small glimpse into life hundreds of years ago. This fascinating national park in southwest Colorado has something for everyone including remarkable cliff dwellings, gorgeous hikes, breathtaking overlooks, and excellent camping. Spending just a few days in Mesa Verde National Park will tell you an inspiring story of the Ancestral Pueblo people that no history book can tell.
Accessibility: Many tours and hikes to the cliff dwellings around Mesa Verde National park feature narrow, dangerous trails and steep climbs, making it difficult for those with vision and mobility impairments. However, there are scenic overlooks throughout the park that wheelchairs can access with little assistance. The visitor’s center is easily accessible to visually, hearing, and mobility impaired individuals. Wheelchairs with wide-rim wheels are recommended on many of the trails and in various areas of the park.
Pet Friendly: Pets are allowed in Mesa Verde National Park but there is a long list of limitations that must be obeyed. You cannot bring your pet on any trail, tour, archeological site, or building. You may not leave your pet unattended in your vehicle as you explore the attractions within the park. Although, if you must bring your pet to the park, there is a full-day boarding kennel at Morefield Campground, making it easy to still get the most from your visit.
Parking: You will find parking at many of the major attractions within the national park. There are also many scenic overlooks and pull-off areas on the main roads to park and enjoy. Trailers, campers, and RVs are not allowed on the main roads past the Morefield Campground, which is four miles inside Mesa Verde National Park.
Seasonal Access: Mesa Verde National Park is open year-round. However, there may be some roads and attractions that are closed due to weather, construction, and other circumstances. Depending on the season, roads, scheduled tours, and buildings may change operating hours. You can visit the National Park website for all current hours and road closures.
Cost: The cost to enter Mesa Verde National Park will vary by the season. During the late fall, winter, and early spring months, a private vehicle costs $20 to enter the park. From May 1-October 31, each vehicle costs $30. This fee will allow you to enter the park for up to seven days.
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Mesa Verde National Park not only offers the most remarkable scenery, but the history of this area is intriguing. A visit to this national park takes you on a journey that you will never forget.
Curious for a sneak peek at this amazing national park? Check out this video from YouTuber GoTravel:
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Mesa Verde National Park
Is Mesa Verde the only national park in Colorado?
Mesa Verde is in good company in terms of national parks in Colorado. The Centennial State has four stellar national parks: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. These four national parks in Colorado are home to some of the world's most wondrous and diverse scenery, and all deserve a spot on your bucket list.
What are some facts about Mesa Verde National Park?
Mesa Verde National Park has plenty of hiking trails and canyon views, and the well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings provide insight into the ancient Indigenous culture. Beyond visiting Puebloan homes set into rock cliffs, Mesa Verde visitors can check out other archaeological sites, including the rock carvings found along Petroglyph Point Trail. Curious to learn more about this national park in Colorado? Here are some fun facts about Mesa Verse National Park:
- Even though the sites were originally created around the end of the 12th-century, Mesa Verde was not designated a National Park until 1906.
- Mesa Verde National Park was created by President Theodore Roosevelt in order to properly preserve the dwellings.
- The park covers a whopping 52,485 acres (or 81.4 square miles)!
- One of the most recognizable dwellings is Cliff Palace, which is thought to date back more than 700 years and to have once been painted bright colors.
- The area was named Mesa Verde (meaning "Green Table") because of the lush juniper trees and various foliage in the area.
- The elevation of the park varies from 6,000 to 8,572 feet. It is said that the Ancestral Puebloan relied on rain and winter snow as their water source.
- Mesa Verde has more than 4,300 sites and, believe it or not, there are still more to be discovered.
What are the best accommodations in and around Mesa Verde National Park?
Looking for the best places to stay when visiting Mesa Verde? Here are some standout accommodations in and around Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado:
- Far View Lodge.Located 15 miles inside Mesa Verde National Park is the must-see Far View Lodge. The one and only lodge actually located inside Mesa Verde, Far View Lodge has 150 well-appointed guest rooms, charming western decor, unbeatable views, and easy access to some of the park's most noteworthy attractions.
- VRBO. Hands down, VRBO is the best place to go for lodging around Mesa Verde National Park (and all of Colorado's national parks, for that matter!). It's easy to set your search parameters to find exactly what you're looking for in terms of location, amenities, and perks like hot tubs and dog friendly rentals. For example, we found this adorable ranch on an alpaca farm just minutes from the entrance to Mesa Verde, and it's pet friendly, secluded, and the perfect "home base" for your adventures at this CO national park!