Entrance - Private Vehicle
$30.00Valid for 7 days.
CO
Mesa Verde National Park
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Mesa Verde at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, September–October
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Explore the Mesa Top Loop Road
- Nearby city
- Mancos, CO
Explore this park
About Mesa Verde National Park
For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 27 Pueblos and Tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past. This World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park is home to over a thousand species, including several that live nowhere else on earth.
Weather Information
- Spring
This season offers a range of weather including clear skies, wind, rain, cloudy days and temperatures from 40–70°F (4–21° C).
- Summer
Most days are sunny and temperatures can reach above 90°F (32°C).
- Fall
Temperatures range from 50–75°F (10–24°C).
- Winter
Temps range from the teens to low 30s F (below -1°C).
Snow may fall into May. Thunderstorms are common in July and August. Snow may fall as early as October. Icy roads are common. Snow tires, all-wheel drive, or chains may be required.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Motorcycle
$25.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$20.00Purchase 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.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Valid for 7 days.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Purchase 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.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$15.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Operating Hours
Mesa Verde National Park Hours
The park is open daily except for emergency conditions. The Visitor & Research Center and Mesa Verde Museum are open all year but closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Ancestral sites, picnic areas, and trails are open 8 am to sunset. Some park areas including Wetherill Mesa, campground, and other visitor services are closed during winter. Cliff dwelling tours are mid-May through late October. Reservations are required and available 14 days in advance of tour date online at www.recreation.gov.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Entrance Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$55.00Details: Fee good for a year, beginning from the date of sale.
Common questions
Planning Mesa Verde
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts and Permits for live updates.
TrailVerse lists 1 reservation type on the Permits tab, including MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK. Recreation.gov listings can change seasonally — confirm current rules before you set dates.
