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Best trails in Mesa Verde National Park

Best trails in Mesa Verde National Park

4.5(10,479 reviews)

·

United States
: 
#41 of 60 national parks

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Mesa Verde National Park is famous for the cliff dwellings built by Ancestral Pueblo people who called this area home about 1,400 years ago. The park is home to Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, along with dozens of other cliff dwellings and archeological sites. Ancestral Pueblo people left the area in the late 1200s, and the reason why is still a mystery. Today, you can visit their dwellings and imagine what these now-quiet canyons were like more than 700 years ago, when the area was home to thriving communities.

After the area was abandoned, it was visited by several non-native groups — one of the earliest was a Spanish expedition in 1765. The most notable visitors to the area were the Wetherill brothers from nearby Mancos, Colorado. In the late 1800s, the Wetherills were the first to propose the idea of turning the area into a national park. In June 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt signed a bill creating Mesa Verde National Park and protecting the area for good.

The best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is from spring through fall, when ranger-guided tours of the cliff dwellings are operational. Visitors can easily spend 2 full days in the park. In addition to archeological sites, there are plenty of trails exploring the rugged Four Corners region. The park is located at roughly %{7000_feet} in elevation and most trails are very sunny, so don't forget sunscreen and plenty of water.

Mesa Verde charges an entrance fee to visit, which you can pay online in advance or in person. The fee is reduced during the winter months.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Petroglyph Point Trail

    4.8(3381)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.5 mi
    Petroglyph Point Trail features a large petroglyph panel of humans, animals, and handprints. This panel contains the history of those who lived and traveled through this canyon. Do not touch the panel as it is fragile and cannot be replaced. The views on the trail are amazing. You can see the Navajo and Spruce Canyons. The trail itself is rocky and narrow. There are sections with steep drop-offs along the wall and scrambling. Hands and feet are needed to scramble up the stone staircase near...

  2. #2 - Soda Canyon Overlook Trail

    4.5(900)
    ·Easy
    ·1.3 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Take a beautiful hike through an old pine and juniper forest. The trail leads to three overlooks with breathtaking views of Balcony House. Look for wildlife like mule deer, desert cottontails, black-tailed jackrabbits, and wild turkeys. Parking is available near the trailhead off Mesa Top Ruins Road. This trail has little shade, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.

  3. #3 - Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail

    4.8(916)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.0 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    The Point Lookout Trail climbs up the iconic Point Lookout, the geological formation that towers above the park entrance. The trail offers views of the San Juan and La Plata Mountains, as well as Mancos and Montezuma Valleys. The approximately 2 mile roundtrip trail climbs steep switchbacks up the west side of Point Lookout. Hikers are rewarded with magnificent views, including the historic entrance road snaking its way onto the mesa.

  4. #4 - Cliff Palace Loop Trail

    4.7(607)
    ·Moderate
    ·0.4 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    The Cliff Palace is the largest intact cliff dwelling in North America. This route covers the ranger-guided tour through the Cliff Palace dwelling. This route is not a traditional "hike". It is an exploration of an archaeological site that involves climbing five, 8-10ft (2.6-3m) ladders, on a 100ft (30m) vertical climb. The route can only be completed with a ranger guide.

  5. #5 - Spruce Canyon Trail

    4.5(505)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.5 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    The Spruce Canyon trail is located on the Chapin Mesa within Mesa Verde National Park. This is a popular route, and for good reason. The trail descends Spruce Tree Canyon to Spruce Canyon where it follows the seasonal stream up the canyon for almost 3/4 of a mile before climbing a side canyon back up to the top of the mesa.

  6. #6 - Knife Edge Trail

    4.5(485)
    ·Easy
    ·2.0 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This trail follows the path of the historic Knife Edge Roadway. Lets and bikes are not allowed.

  7. #7 - Far View Sites Complex

    4.5(461)
    ·Easy
    ·0.8 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This is a well-maintained trail which weaves its way in and out of some incredible and amazing historical structures that are thousands of years old. It’s not a strenuous hike and it’s definitely worth experiencing. If you’re going to one of the cliff dwellings, don’t miss these. No trip to the area is complete without stopping here!

  8. #8 - Spruce Tree House Trail

    4.2(234)
    ·Moderate
    ·0.4 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Spruce Tree House is a self-guided tour to a well-preserved cliff dwelling inside Mesa Verde National Park. Spruce Tree House is a 1/2 round trip self-guided tour of the best preserved cliff dwelling within Mesa Verde National Park. The trail begins at the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and descends down 100 ft. on a paved winding path. On the return trip, you ascend back up 100 ft. on the same path. Please ask for assistance and use caution if using any kind of manual mobility assistance...

  9. #9 - Balcony House Loop Trail

    4.8(316)
    ·Moderate
    ·0.4 mi
    Balcony House is a 1-hour ranger-guided tour through a cliff dwelling located in Mesa Verde National Park. This tour is considered the most challenging tour due to the fact that visitors will have to descend a 100 foot staircase, climb a 32 ft. ladder, climb through a 12 ft. by 18 in. wide tunnel, and then climb an additional 60 ft. of ladders and stone steps to exit the cliff dwelling.

  10. #10 - Park Point Overlook Trail

    4.6(367)
    ·Easy
    ·0.4 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This is a short paved trail to two wonderful overlooks with a 360-degree view from Mesa Verde's highest point. You can see the 13000+ foot San Juan Mountains to the north and the deserts of New Mexico to the south. An added point of interest is the old fire lookout station located between the two overlooks. According to wheelchairtraveling.com: Park Point Overlook has a paved but steep trail to a fire tower and, at the top of the trail, two short paved spurs to great viewpoints. Most...
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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
Starting at $15
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(970) 529-4465
Entrance pass
Motorcycle (May 1–Oct 22)

This pass is good for 7 days.

$25
Purchase pass
Motorcycle (Oct 23–Apr 30)

This pass is good for 7 days.

$15
Per Person (May 1–Oct 22)

This pass is good for 7 days.

$15
Purchase pass
Per Person (Oct 23–Dec 31)

Purchase digital park entrance passes on recreation.gov at no additional cost. Once purchased, passes for Mesa Verde National Park must be printed or saved on your mobile device prior to use. Connectivity is limited in the park, therefore printing the permit or saving it on your phone is highly recommended.

Passes, including the America the Beautiful, National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes, such as the Annual, Access, or Senior pass may be purchased at the entrance station upon arrival.

$15
Private Vehicle (May 1–Oct 22)

This pass if good for 7 days.

$30
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle (Oct 23–Apr 30)

Purchase digital park entrance passes on recreation.gov at no additional cost. Once purchased, passes for Mesa Verde National Park must be printed or saved on your mobile device prior to use. Connectivity is limited in the park, therefore printing the permit or saving it on your phone is highly recommended.

Passes, including the America the Beautiful, National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes, such as the Annual, Access, or Senior pass may be purchased at the entrance station upon arrival.

$20
Annual pass
Park

Details: Fee good for a year, beginning from the date of sale.

$55
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center and Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and Park Headquarters are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, and wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains are available.

Loaner wheelchairs, assistive listening devices, audio descriptions, and tactile exhibits are available.

ASL interpreters are available for ancestral site tours upon request. After making your reservation, contact the park with a request for an ASL interpreter at least 7 days before your tour.

Additional information about accessibility at Mesa Verde National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Facilities

The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center and Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and Park Headquarters are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, and wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains are available.

The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and Park Headquarters have 1-3 steps and a portable ramp available. Orientation films include closed captioning.

Accessible restrooms are available at the following trailheads: Mesa Top Loop Road, Far View Sites, Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Wetherill Mesa.

Camping

The Morefield Campground has individual wheelchair accessible camping sites and restrooms on the Apache Loop.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park and can accompany visitors to the Spruce Tree House and Wetherill Mesa. For cliff-dwelling tours, service animals may need to be carried in a pack due to the need for climbing ladders.

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Guides

in Mesa Verde National Park
Top Picks in Mesa Verde National Park
8 trails
in Mesa Verde National Park
Hidden Gems in Mesa Verde National Park
4 trails
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Mesa Verde National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Mesa Verde National Park is Petroglyph Point Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 3,381 reviews. This trail is 2.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 410 ft.

What is the longest trail in Mesa Verde National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Mesa Verde National Park is Wetherill Mesa Loop. This trail is estimated to be 5.9 mi long.

How many trails are in Mesa Verde National Park?

There are 21 trails in Mesa Verde National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 10,479 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Mesa Verde National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Mesa Verde National Park has you covered. Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive boasts the most elevation gain with 2,608 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Prater Ridge Trail, which will get you 869 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Mesa Verde National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Mesa Verde National Park which is Prater Ridge Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 478 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Mesa Verde National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 running trails in Mesa Verde National Park and the most popular is Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 916 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Mesa Verde National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Mesa Verde National Park which is Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive with an average 4.6 star rating from 244 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Mesa Verde National Park?

Some popular summer hiking trails in Mesa Verde National Park are Petroglyph Point Trail, Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail, Soda Canyon Overlook Trail, Step House Trail, and Cliff Palace Loop Trail.

What are the best fall hikes in Mesa Verde National Park?

What are the best winter hikes in Mesa Verde National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Mesa Verde National Park?

Some popular spring hiking trails in Mesa Verde National Park are Petroglyph Point Trail, Soda Canyon Overlook Trail, Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail, Prater Ridge Trail, and Spruce Canyon Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Mesa Verde National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Mesa Verde National Park, including Park Point Overlook Trail and Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Mesa Verde National Park?

Yes, there are 10 trails with scenic viewpoints in Mesa Verde National Park, including Soda Canyon Overlook Trail, Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail, Cliff Palace Loop Trail, Park Point Overlook Trail, and Square Tower House Overlook.

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Mesa Verde National Park?

Yes, there are 11 trails with archaeological sites in Mesa Verde National Park, including Petroglyph Point Trail, Cliff Palace Loop Trail, Spruce Canyon Trail, Far View Sites Complex, and Spruce Tree House Trail.

Are there any trails with cliffs in Mesa Verde National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a cliff in Mesa Verde National Park: Mesa Top Loop Road.

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Mesa Verde National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with historical ruins in Mesa Verde National Park, including Step House Trail and Mesa Top Loop Road.