Mesa Verde National Park Overview
Home to 600 cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people that lived in the area over 700 years ago, Mesa Verde National Park is like taking a step into the past. It is hard to believe how well preserved these archeological sites overlooking Colorado’s Montezuma Valley have been kept. The hikes in Mesa Verde National Park is what this page is all about but the best reason to visit the park is to get up close and personal with the cliff dwellings on self-guided and ranger-guided tours. Below are the 4 best hikes in Mesa Verde National Park along with the 4 best tours that all visitors should check out on their trip.
| State | Colorado |
| Nearest Metro Area | Grand Junction, CO |
| Area Size | 52,485 acres |
| Established | June 29, 1906 |
| Hiking Trails | 18 miles |
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Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Mesa Verde National Park
Petroglyph Point Trail
Popular hike that you can take the family on before or after one of the many cliff tours. The panel of petroglyphs are about halfway along the trail. There is a bit of rock scrambling required and once back near the trailhead, hikers have the option of adding on the Spruce Canyon Trail. The trailhead can be found near the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.
- 2.4 mile loop
- 450′ elevation gain
- Moderate
Point Lookout Trail
Gradual climb to the top of the mesa and Point Lookout. The views of the Montezuma and Mancos Valleys below make this one of the best hikes in Mesa Verde National Park. The trailhead is near the north side of Morefield Campground.
- 2.2 miles out and back
- 500′ elevation gain
- Moderate
Soda Canyon Overlook Trail
This is an easy walk to the canyon edge that everyone can enjoy. There are great views of the Balcony House cliff dwellings as well as other archeological sites along Soda Canyon – good perspective if you have already toured Balcony House. The trailhead begins along Cliff Palace Loop Road.
- 1.2 mile loop
- No elevation gain
- Easy
Knife Edge Trail
Although this is not one of the most memorable hikes you will ever do, this trail still offers great views of Montezuma Valley. The trail follows a part of an old roadbed no longer used by the park. The trailhead is near the west side of Morefield Campground.
- 2.0 miles out and back
- 100′ elevation gain
- Easy
Cliff Tours
Cliff Palace Tour
A one hour, ranger guided tour that visitors climb 5 ladders on a 100′ vertical climb. You are unable to tour Cliff Palace without a ranger. Tour tickets can be purchased only on recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. There is also a Twilight Tour that costs only $10 and starts at 7pm.
Balcony Tour
Another one hour guided tour with ladders, crawling through tunnels and climbing a 60′ open face rock.
Long House Tour
2 hour guided tour that involves ladder climbing and 2+ miles of hiking.
Spruce Tree House Tour
Self-guided tour of one of the most preserved and 3rd largest cliff dwellings. Ranger guided tours are offered 3 times per day.
Featured Image: Mesa Verde Neighborhood, Photo by G. Lamar
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