52,485 acres
Park Size
548,477
Annual Visitors
10 mi
Trail Miles
267
Campsites
About Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park was the first national park created to protect cultural resources rather than natural scenery. The park preserves over 5,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings built into the sandstone alcoves of the mesa. The most famous, Cliff Palace, contains 150 rooms and 23 ceremonial kivas. The Ancestral Puebloans lived here for over 700 years before leaving in the late 1200s. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of ancient architecture in North America.
Park Highlights
- Cliff Palace
- Balcony House
- Long House
- Spruce Tree House
- Step House
- Sun Temple
Activities
Wildlife
Visitor Information
$30
Entrance Fee
Spring, Fall
Best Seasons
Visitor Tips
- Book cliff dwelling tours well in advance
- Tours require climbing ladders - not for all abilities
- Long winding road to reach park
- Allow full day to explore
Location
Official Resources
Plan Your Trip
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