The Closest Airport to Mesa Verde National Park

When you’re planning your trip to Mesa Verde National Park, one of the things you’ll need to decide is where to fly into.

In this guide, we’ll look at the nearest airport to Mesa Verde National Park.

It’s worth noting that although this is the closest airport to Mesa Verde National Park, it may not be the best for your trip.  There may be another airport near Mesa Verde National Park that’s better for your trip.  For more detailed information about other nearby airports, read my guide to all the Airports Near Mesa Verde National Park.

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What is the closest airport to Mesa Verde National Park?

Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ)

Lake surrounded by trees, and behind is the mountain under the cloudy blue sky near Cortez Airport

Cortez Municipal Airport is the Mesa Verde National Park nearest airport to fly to. The airport is just 15 miles from the national park’s entrance and lies between the national park and the nearby Ute Mountain area.  

Cortez Municipal is small, but has daily commercial flights on Denver Air Connection from/ to Denver International Airport and Phoenix Sky-Harbor International Airport.  

You can get offsite car rental services through Enterprise upon arriving at Cortez Municipal. Within 20 minutes, you’ll be at the park’s entrance, so it’s just a quick drive to get there.  

Location:

The airport is located just 3 miles from the southwest area of Cortez in Montezuma County, Colorado.  

Distance from Cortez to Mesa Verde National Park: 

  • Distance from Cortez, Colorado to Mesa Verde National Park: 15 miles 

Travel time to Mesa Verde National Park

  • Travel Time from Cortez, CO to Mesa Verde National Park: 20 minutes 

What airlines fly out of Cortez, CO Airport? Which airports connect to there? 

  • Denver Air Connection: connecting commercial flights to Denver International Airport and Phoenix Sky-Harbor International Airport.  

Rental car options: 

  • Offsite: Enterprise Rental Cars  

Getting from Cortez, CO Airport to Mesa Verde National Park: 

  • Car rental service  

Pros

  • The nearest airport to Mesa Verde National Park
  • Connecting flights to Denver International Airport and Phoenix Sky-Harbor International Airport

Cons

  • Limited operational hours
  • Limited flight options
  • Only has one car rental service offered

Map of Airports Near Mesa Verde National Park


Travel Insurancefor Mesa Verde National Park 

A final thought.  When you’re flying to Mesa Verde National Park, consider getting travel insurance too. Make sure it includes trip cancellation, in case you need to cancel your flight before your travel, so that you can get a refund.    

A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can swap this link for  either choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:

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Have a great trip to Mesa Verde!  I hope this guide has helped you decide on your flights to Mesa Verde National Park

Which of the airport closest to Mesa Verde National Park did you choose?  I’d love to know.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).  

Now you know all the options in getting to Mesa Verde National Park, Pin It to your Mesa Verde National Park board for easy reference! 

WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR PLANNING PROCESS?

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Are you starting to plan a trip to Mesa Verde National Park? Read my Guide to Mesa Verde National Park
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Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources

About the Author

James Ian Yosemite

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks. 

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Read more…


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