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Sign in with FacebookLatest Mesa Verde National Park hotel reviews
Pro
history and nature combined
Con
If the past doesn't melt your butter, why would you come here?
In a nutshell
Excellent collection of ancient Indian cliff dwellings
Jim_Eliason Says: This is the best preserved cliff dwelling and one of the few with open access. No tour ticket is required, however rangers patrol the area to ensure you don't access unauthorized areas. It's a half mile hike from the parking lot to the dwelling.
Jim_Eliason Says: Mesa Verde is dotted with hundreds of small cliff dwellings. The largest of these is the Cliff Palace. An overview allows a good view from the cliff face above down into the structure. To enter the structure you must buy a $3 tour ticket from the Visitor's center and go on a...
lisa85202 Says: I only recommend going if you have lots of time. Chapin Mesa is the place to start- but if you have extra time, take the drive to Wetherill Mesa. It did seem like a very long drive, but the views were amazing.When you get to the parking area they have a tram ride (I'm pretty...
Check out Balcony House Tour in the Afternoon
lisa85202 Says: Balcony House is a very fun tour, with lots of ladders and tunnels. You cannot see this cliff dwelling from the road, therefore I recommend this guided tour. If visiting during the summer months, plan this tour in the afternoon, then your tour will be in the shade!Tour...
Touring the three major cliff dwellings
goodfish Says: There are 3 large cliff dwellings that can can only be toured, up close, with an NPS ranger: Cliff Palace, on Chapin Mesa, is the largest and involves climbing five 8-ft. ladders. It's not scary or very difficult - there were children on our tour and they had no issues with...
Stuff you can see without a guide
goodfish Says: While you need tickets and a guide to tour the three largest of the cliff dwellings, there are also plenty of things to see on your own. Spruce Tree House (Chapin Mesa) is not far from Balcony House and Cliff Palace so it's a great way to spend your time while waiting for a...
Basaic Says: The rugged terrain here makes the dwellings inaccessible for those in wheelchairs or with other health issues. Many of the dwelling are visible though from accessible overlooks. Many facilities at the Far View Terrace and Visitors Center are accessible as are the Chapin Mesa...
Basaic Says: The Fire Temple got its name from the large fire pit located in the lower complex. The pit is much larger than cooking pits and shows indications of frequent use due to the layers and layers of ash. This complex shows signs of extensive planning; but no signs of habitation....
4 Reviews and 605 Opinions The rooms were a bit outdated, the bathroom linoleum worn, but comfortable overall. Each room comes...
5 Reviews and 34 Opinions We stayed here for two nights in June 2011. We made reservations, just in case. The campground was...
Basaic Says: Food options in the park range from light fare to gourmet meals. There is a snack bar at Wetherill Mesa; cafes at Spruce Tree Terrace and Morefield Campground; and restaurants at Far View Terrace and Far View Lodge. The Metate Room Restaurant is reported to be especially...
Main Street Brewery and Restaurant: Best place for a brew - Cortez
goodfish Says: Updated in 2011: still open and now has a website:We didn't eat here but stopped in for a couple of their microbrews: very good stuff. They have nine crafted ales and lagers on tap, and a reasonably priced lunch and dinner menu ranging from sandwiches to steaks. Nice,...
goodfish Says: I always hate to bring this up as mentioning the need to tread gently and respectfully to VT members is sort of preaching to the choir. Unfortunately, vandalism, theft of artifacts, and damage to fragile ecological sites and structures is such a problem for our national...
goodfish Says: While it isn't really a danger, I should mention that the climate on the mesas can be anything but predictable. I have talked to other travelers who sweat buckets on their trips, but we nearly froze to death - in August. Temperatures one day were in the 30's with frequent...
Assenczo Says: Mesa Verde’s cave dwellings are carved out of sheer rock in the deep canyons that cut through the mesa from the south. The approach though is from the north which makes it compulsory to reach the summit of the mesa first and than climb down to reach the caves. This fact...
Don't take the guided bus tour
lisa85202 Says: We almost fell for it and took the guided bus tour, even though we drove to Mesa Verde and stayed at the campground. I'm glad we didn't. All the sites were easy to access. Tour tickets were available at the Visitor Center. The bus tour is not necessary and quite...
See roadrunner country from above
caffeine_induced78 Says: I asked them to say cheese. They were four tourists from Germany and they had hiked to the top of Park Point as well. I imagine they got at least a little bit of humor out of that - that's why I did it. They asked me to take a picture of them in front of the fire lookout. I...
painterdave Says: If you are going to be in the Mesa Verde area and wondering what you might plan next, here are a few ideas.1. Go over the Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Ouray, stopping at Silverton for lunch. Try the Handlebar Restaurant there and have some Rocky Mountain Oysters.2....
Basaic Says: There are paved trails that lead to the various displays in this area. If I remember correctly they are accessible for the handicapped. Hiking Shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, weather appropriate clothing
Basaic Says: The Spruce Canyon Trail is accessed from the Spruce Tree House Trail or from the Chapin Mesa Parking Area. It is a 2.4 mile loop trail leading through Spruce Canyon and offers a good introduction to the plant and wildlife in the Mesa Verde area. You must register at the...
Basaic Says: The Spruce Tree House Trail is short (1/4 mile each way) and paved but has a 100 foot elevation change. There are switchbacks and this trail should not be taken by those with health issues. The trail connects with the Spruce Canyon and Petroglyph Trails. Hiking Shoes,...
Basaic Says: There are way more ancient dwellings; cliff dwellings, old pueblos, remains of pit houses, etc than most people think scattered throughout the western part of the United States. I find all of them fascinating and have explored many of them. Mesa Verde is one of the finest...
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“This is a fabulous place and must see.” I thought to start my narrative about Mesa Verde, while I was collecting ideas about my VT tips in my head. As you see I didn’t change my mind and I am ready...
Basaic Mesa Verde National Park Page
There are way more ancient dwellings; cliff dwellings, old puebloes, remains of pit houses, etc than most people think scattered throughout the western part of the United States. I find all of them......
They're Not Messing Around at Mesa Verde
Mesa Verde National Park successfully straddles the domain of National Park and Native American site better perhaps than any of its formidable competition. While this is in part due to an amazingly......
Amazing Mesa Verde National Park
I had listened to Sarah rave about how much fun she had when she was 10 at Mesa Verde National Park so much that when it came time for Anna's first big road trip, we decided that Mesa Verde would be...
i had dreamt for a very very long time to see mesa verde..and i'm very happy i made it; it was a good trip combining not only archaeolgy but hiking and climbing; mountains are really beatiful and...
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