Mesa Verde is most famous for the ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Although there are other cliff dwellings in the southwest, there are few as well preserved and as concentrated as those in Mesa Verde.
Centered on two connect mesas (plateaus), you can see several dwellings across narrow ravines and climb down ladders and steep steps to walk through several of them.
This is a fascinating glimpse into the native American history of the United States. There are also several hikes you can so and a fascinating museum to visit.
Mesa Verde National Park Travel Guide
Mesa Verde National Park at a glance
- State: Colorado
- Main attractions: Ancient cliff dwellings
- Best time to go: Early June and September
- Hotels/ Airbnbs: Far View Lodge; other accommodations in Cortez, Mancos and Durango
- Campgrounds: Morefield Campground inside the park
- Dining: Several options inside the park
- Shuttle: No
Mesa Verde National Park Guide
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Best Tours In and Around Mesa Verde National Park
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About the Author
James Ian has dedicated his life to travel and has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents. He’s visited all of the main national parks in the United States, as well as many national monuments and state parks.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including Time Business News, Savoteur, and Wired. He also has several published detailed itineraries in addition to many free online guides.
James has rafted through the Grand Canyon; rappelled down slot canyons near Zion and Arches; hiked among the hoodoos in Bryce and the enormous trees in Sequoia; admired the waterfalls in Yosemite and the colored hot springs in Yellowstone; seen moose in Grand Tetons and seals in the Channel Islands, and much more.
