Mesa Verde ("green table" in Spanish) is famous for its unique Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in the US. It also contains some of the best preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites. Located in Montezuma County, Colorado, the park was created by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 near the Four Corners region of the American Southwest.
Take the Mesa Top Loop Road which winds past archaeological sites and stop by the Sun Point Overlook to admire panoramic canyon views. With more than 600 cliff dwellings, it is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum has displays on Native American culture especially Ancestral Pueblo people who lived here from AD 600 to 1300. Altogether about 5,000 archaeological sites are available in the park.
The best time to visit the park is roughly from May through September since some sites are closed during the colder months, in particular, the Cliff Palace is closed from late October to April.
Practical info
What is Mesa Verde National Park known for?
The park is renowned for its unique Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, containing over 600 dwellings and 5,000 sites. It is the most extensive archaeological preserve in America. Visitors can learn about Native American cultures and explore well-maintained archaeological sites. The most celebrated Cliff Palace, built by Ancestral Pueblo people almost 800 years ago, is within the park. Show more
What is the meaning of the name Mesa Verde?
The name has a Spanish origin, 'green table,' because of the park's terrains. Mesa Verde is characterized by layered green sandstone mesas and plateaus. The natural beauty of the park emanates from its rugged landscape of deep canyons, high cliffs, and earthy colors on the eroded rocks. Show more
What is the best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park?
May through September is the ideal time to explore Mesa Verde National Park. During these months, all amenities and services are open, including visitor centers and campgrounds. Most areas that are not accessible in winter are now open for visits. It is also the season that offers good weather and temperatures suitable for hiking, site exploration, and enjoying the park's beauty. Show more
What is the Mesa Top Loop Road and what can visitors see along the way?
Mesa Top Loop Road stretches six scenic miles along the top of the mesa. Along the drive, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the park's many breathtaking archaeological sites, including Cliff Palace and Balcony House. There are also pullouts and overlooks, such as Sun Point Overlook, with panoramic views of the canyons, mountains, and mesas of the park. The road offers opportunities to hike, take photographs, and explore the park's ecosystems and heritage sites. Show more
Why are some sites closed during winter and which specific site is closed during that time?
Safety concerns due to ice and snow, along with staffing issues, prompt the closure of some areas during winter. Many ranger-led tours and services are unavailable, too. Cliff Palace, the park's most popular cliff dwelling, is closed from late October to mid-April. Visitors planning to travel during winter should check information before making travel plans. Show more
