Mesa Verde National Park is absolutely incredible! There’s so much to see, learn, and experience, especially when visiting with kids. It’s the perfect place for the whole family to explore history in a hands-on way.
My family and I spent three days at Mesa Verde, and wow—it completely blew us away. As huge national park fans, we’ve been to some amazing places, but this one stands out as one of the most well-preserved and fascinating sites we’ve ever visited. From the breathtaking cliff dwellings to the stories behind them, every day was packed with discoveries that left us in awe.
If you’re planning a trip to Mesa Verde with kids, trust me—you’re in for an unforgettable adventure!
Table of Contents
Why is Mesa Verde important?
Mesa Verde, meaning “Green Table” in Spanish, preserves the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people that lived in the area from 550 to 1300.
Mesa Verde was named a national park in 1906. It was the first national park that was established to “preserve the works of man”. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
Top Things To Do In Mesa Verde With Kids
Even though children cannot do everything at Mesa Verde, visiting Mesa Verde with kids can be a great experience. Kids can hike, go on a cliff-dwelling tour, learn about the Ancestral Puebloans, become junior rangers, and complete a scavenger hunt.
1. Hiking
There are plenty of hiking opportunities in Mesa Verde with kids. The trails are mainly in three areas: Morefield Campground, Chapin Mesa, and Wetherill Mesa.
Morefield Campground Trails
The Morefield Campground area offers two kid-friendly hikes. The Knife Edge Trail is an easy 2-mile roundtrip hike that follows along the original park road. It is a great place to see the sunset.
The Point Lookout Trail is a moderate 2.2-mile roundtrip hike that offers expansive views of the valleys below.
Chapin Mesa Trails
The Chapin Mesa area has quite a few strenuous hiking options along with a few easy hikes.
For kids, the Far View Sites Complex is a must. It is an easy 0.75-mile roundtrip trail that takes you around various mesa top community structures. There are signs that explain what is significant about each stop.
It is located to the north of Chapin Mesa. Parking and shade on the trail are both limited.
Wetherill Mesa Trails
The Wetherill Mesa area has a number of trails labeled as moderate. Some of these may be too long for kids.
Step House is a must-see site if you aren’t taking a cliff-dwelling tour. The trail to get there is 1-mile roundtrip. It takes about an hour to complete. The trail is open seasonally from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Long House Loop is a 5-mile paved trail that loops around many of the sites in the area. If you have some with you, bicycles would be a lot of fun on this trail.
Nordenskiold Site No. 16 Trail is a moderate trail that is 2-miles roundtrip from the Long House Loop. This trail takes you to an overlook to see the 50 room cliff dwelling.
Badger House Community Trail takes you to view four mesa top villages. This trail is rated as moderate and is 2.25 miles roundtrip from the Wetherill Mesa kiosk. It is only a 1-mile loop off of the Long House Loop.
2. Cliff Dwelling Tours
Taking a cliff dwelling tour is an amazing way to experience Mesa Verde and learn about the Native Americans who once lived here. While not all tours are super kid-friendly, you can definitely still explore a cliff dwelling with your little ones!
Which cliff dwelling tour is best at Mesa Verde?
The Cliff Palace Tour is the easiest and most popular option, with the Long House Tour coming in next. When we visited, Cliff Palace wasn’t available, so we opted for the Long House Tour instead—and it did not disappoint! Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any tour.
That said, not every tour is ideal for kids. Some of the longer tours can be a bit too advanced, depending on your kid’s age. But don’t worry—there are still plenty of ways for the whole family to experience Mesa Verde’s incredible history!
Which cliff dwelling tour is best at Mesa Verde really depends on your ability level and time constraints. Some tours are short while others involve backcountry hiking. Here is information for each tour option offered in the park.
Ranger-Guided cliff dwelling Tours
Cliff Palace Tour
Cliff Palace is the largest and most well-known cliff palace in Mesa Verde. The Cliff Palace tour lasts about 45 minutes and is about 1/4 mile roundtrip. There are four 8-foot to 10-foot ladders that you have to climb to see the site.
Long House Tour
Long House is the second-largest cliff dwelling in the park. It is labeled as “Mesa Verde’s Most In-Depth Tour”. The dwelling includes numerous rooms and kivas, a large dance plaza, and two 15-foot ladders.
The Long House tour is approximately 2.5 miles round trip. The timing of this tour can be tricky. I suggest, if at all possible, getting an early tour. There is limited parking and the parking lot can fill up during the busy season.
Long House is located at the end of the 12-mile Wetherill Mesa road. It takes about an hour to drive from the Far View Lodge area to the parking lot at Wetherill Mesa. You will want to give yourself 20 to 30 minutes to walk to the Long House check-in point from the parking lot.
Both Cliff Palace and Long House tours costs $8 per person and requires advanced reservations. Reservation time slots become available 14 days in advance at 8:00 Mountain time.
Balcony House Tour
Balcony House is definitely the most adventurous tour offered. To get there, you have to climb a metal staircase, multiple ladders, uneven stone steps, and crawl through a 12-foot long tunnel.
The Balcony House tour lasts about an hour and is a 0.25-mile hike. This tour is not suggested for people that are claustrophobic, have a fear of heights, or have heart or respiratory problems.
Mug House Tour
Mug House was named for the three mugs tied together with yucca rope hanging inside. On the Mug House tour, you will also see other Ancestral Puebloan sites and have stunning views of Rock Canyon.
The Mug House tour is a strenuous 3-mile hike. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours. This hike is not recommended for small children.
Square Tower House Tour
Square Tower House is the tallest structure in the park. This makes the Square Tower House one of the most impressive cliff dwellings in the park. The site includes an original kiva roof, original plaster and paint, and rock art.
The Square Tower House tour is a strenuous 1-mile hike that includes scrambling over boulders and climbing two very long ladders. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours. This hike is not recommended for young children.
If you cannot get a reservation or have young children that make this tour undoable, you can view Square Tower House from an overlook point on the Mesa Top Loop Road.
Spring House Tour
Spring House is unexcavated and fragile. So, you do not get to enter the site. You view the site from a platform. On your hike to the site, you get views of the beautiful landscape.
The Spring House tour is a very strenuous 8-mile hike. The tour lasts about 8 hours.
Cliff Dwelling Tour Schedule
Cliff dwelling tours at Mesa Verde are seasonal (typically from May-October) and can change from year to year due to construction, preservation efforts, and park conditions. Some tours may be unavailable or adjusted, so it’s always best to check the National Park Service (NPS) website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Can you see the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde without a tour?
Yes! You can absolutely see some of the cliff dwellings without a tour. You can walk through some and see others from afar at viewpoints.
Step House, located in the Wetherill Mesa area, is a self-guided tour. The trail is 1-mile roundtrip and takes about an hour to complete. The NPS website describes it as “a unique cliff dwelling featuring two distinct periods of Pueblo architecture.” It is only open from 9:00-3:30.
Spruce Tree House, the best-preserved cliff dwelling, can be viewed from behind the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. Cliff-dwelling tours used to be offered here. Unfortunately, you can no longer tour this cliff dwelling due to safety concerns of falling rocks.
Without taking a guided tour, the remaining cliff dwellings can only be seen from viewpoints.
The Mesa Top Loop has great views of Square Tower House at Square Tower House Overlook. It also offers two fantastic views of Cliff Palace at Sun Point View and Sun Temple.
There are three overlooks in the Wetherill Mesa area to view cliff dwellings. These cliff dwellings include Long House, Nordenskiold Site, and Kodak House. These are all located along the 5-mile Long House Loop.
Would you rather have someone else do the driving? Check out the 700 Year Interpretive Tour.
3. Mesa Top Loop Road Auto Tour
Mesa Top Loop is a one-way six-mile loop with eleven stops. The stops show the progression of the Ancestral Puebloan houses. The loop starts with early pit houses, shows some examples of mesa top sites, and then finishes with stunning views of the famous Cliff Palace cliff dwelling.
Plan on spending two to three hours here to see all of the stops and read the informational displays. The road opens at 8:00 AM. We arrived early and almost had the place to ourselves.
The Mesa Top Loop Drive Audio Tour is narrated by a park ranger with Puebloan heritage. I highly recommend that you download it for your visit.
The complete audio tour is about 43 minutes long. You can listen to the entire thing or listen to a snippet at each stop along the way. It was a great addition to the information at the sites.
The Mesa Verde Museum Association has also put together a Mesa Top Loop booklet that gives the history of each stop along the route along with additional information about the Pueblo people. There are little boxes at the stops. The suggested donation is $1.
The NPS app is also a great resource for up-to-date information. Cell service is spotty, so download everything you need before you come.
4. Become a Mesa Verde Junior Ranger
Have your child participate in the Junior Ranger Program. The Mesa Verde junior ranger booklet follows a girl and her new Puebloan friend. It has a variety of activities that highlights different aspects of the Ancestral Puebloans’ lives.
You can pick up a junior ranger booklet at the park entrance station. It is recommended for kids ages 4 and up.
5. Morefield Explorer Scavenger Hunt
Kids can learn about the history, flora, fauna, and wildlife of the park with the Morefield Explorer Scavenger Hunt. Thirty clues have been placed around the Morefield Campground area. You can bike, hike, or drive to the stations.
Pick up the scavenger hunt map at the campground store. Once your child has completed it, take it back to the store for a prize.
Mesa Verde FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about visiting Mesa Verde with kids.
How much does it cost to get into Mesa Verde National Park?
The park entrance fee for private vehicles is $30 from May 1 to October 31 and $20 the rest of the year. This fee covers entrance into the park for seven days.
If you are going to be visiting multiple National Parks sites, it is worth looking into the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. The pass costs $80, covers more than 2000 federal recreation sites, and is valid for 12 months. You can purchase a pass at the Mesa Verde entrance station.
What is the best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park?
May through September is the best time to visit Mesa Verde. During this time, all of the park’s attractions are open for you to explore.
During the winter months, many of the park’s attractions are closed including Far View Lodge, Cliff Dwelling tours, Cliff Palace Loop road, and Wetherill Mesa road.
How many days do you need in Mesa Verde National Park?
If you’re short on time, you can absolutely visit Mesa Verde in a day—it’s worth the trip, even if you’re just scratching the surface. But if you have two days, you’ll get a much deeper experience and really soak in everything this incredible National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer.
Are there height or weight restrictions for vehicles in Mesa Verde National Park?
There are some height and weight restrictions for vehicles in the park. Trailers are not permitted past Morefield Campground. There is a parking lot located near the entrance station to park trailers if you aren’t camping in the campground.
There is a tunnel with a height restriction of 20.5 feet. The Wetherill Mesa Road can only accommodate vehicles under 8,000 pounds and under 25 feet long.
What are the drive times in Mesa Verde National Park?
Drive times in the park can be longer than expected due to the winding roads. From the park entrance, Cliff Palace is about an hour’s drive and Long House is about 1.5 hours. Cliff Palace to Long House is about a 1.25-hour drive.
Can you drive through Mesa Verde?
Mesa Verde is easily drivable. The first 15 miles of the drive take you from the park entrance to the Far View Lodge area. Wetherill Mesa Road, open May through September, takes you 12 miles to view the attractions on the east side of the park.
South of Far View Lodge is the Chapin Mesa area. The 6-mile long Cliff Palace loop and the 6-mile long Mesa Top loop in this area contain the majority of the park’s viewable and popular attractions.
Accommodatios in Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde has just one lodge, Far View Lodge, and one campground, Morefield Campground, for tent campers and RVs.
I highly recommend staying inside the park—it saves time and lets you see more of this amazing place. If you’re visiting with kids, it’s especially nice to have a spot to take a break in the middle of the day.
Far View Lodge
Far View Lodge is the only accommodation in the park. There is a gift shop, restaurant, and bar located in the building where the front desk is. The rooms are split between multiple buildings.
The rooms are small but comfortable. They include a coffee maker, mini-fridge, ironing board, and a hairdryer. Every room has a private balcony. You can park right in front of your room.
There are two room options: Kiva Rooms and Kiva Deluxe View Rooms. I highly recommend paying the extra to get a deluxe view room. It was magical to watch the sunrise over the park.
There is not a TV in the room. There is WiFi. However, it gets pretty spotty at night. You will want to download anything that you need during the day.
The Far View Lodge is located 15 miles into the park from the entrance. The lodge is open seasonally from May 1 to September 30.
Morefield Campground
Morefield Campground is available if you prefer to camp or have your own RV. It is located just four miles inside the park. There are 267 sites, each with a table, bench, and grill. There are 15 full hookup sites.
Morefield village also has a gas station, RV dumping station, showers, coin-operated laundry, gift shop, and grocery store.
Food Options in Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde offers a few dining options for all meals of the day. You can experience an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, a quick cafe lunch, or a nice sit-down restaurant.
Metate Room
Metate Room is the nicest eatery in the park. It is located in the Far View Lodge and only offers dinner. Starters, burgers, fish, and pork chops are just some of the things that you will find on the menu.
Reservations are strongly recommended. The kid’s meals were a good value for the amount of food. Our entire family enjoyed eating here.
It was a nice experience. We were able to get an early reservation and enjoy the beautiful views from our table.
Mesa Verde cafés
Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe is a cafeteria-style place with salads, sandwiches, drinks, and grab-and-go items. It is located in the Chapin Mesa area of the park. There is indoor and outdoor patio seating.
Far View Terrace Cafe is a food-court-style place that serves breakfast and lunch. Breakfast includes a buffet and omelet station. There is also a coffee bar in the building.
For lunch, you can pick up salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. We were not impressed with the lunch options for the price.
The Knife Edge Cafe in the Morefield village offers an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.
Other Dining Options
Far View Lounge has an adult spot that offers cocktails and snacks.
Morefield Campground Store offers food, snacks, and drinks. The grocery and snack options were good. We ended up grabbing a few items from here during our visit.
Mesa Verde with Kids: 1-Day Itinerary
Exploring Mesa Verde with kids in 1 day is doable but takes some pre-planning to maximize the trip. Your itinerary is going to revolve around any guided tours that you have reservations for.
Head to the Chapin Mesa area. The Mesa Top Loop is a great place to start. It will take a couple of hours to drive the loop and stop at the 11 stops.
After the Mesa Top Loop, explore the Cliff Palace Loop, Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, and the Far View Sites on the way back to the Far View Area.
If you have time, drive to the end of Wetherill Mesa road and hike to Step House. It is only open until 3:30 PM. If you are not taking a guided tour of a cliff dwelling, you may want to start your visit at Step House and go to the Chapin Mesa area second.
On your way out of the park, you can stop at some overlooks for some beautiful hikes and scenic views.
Next Read: 19 Must-Have Road Trip Accessories for Kids
Mesa Verde with Kids: 2-Day Itinerary
For a two-day itinerary at Mesa Verde with kids, I recommend exploring one section of the park each day to make the most of your visit.
Day 1: Chapin Mesa Area
Start your adventure at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center to get oriented. Then, head to the Chapin Mesa area to dive into the park’s incredible history.
Begin with the Mesa Top Loop, which takes about two hours to complete. Next, check out the Cliff Palace Loop, take a guided tour of Cliff Palace, and visit the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum.
Right behind the museum, you can catch a glimpse of Spruce Tree House. If you have older kids, consider hiking one of the 2+ mile trails that start from this area.
Next, stop by the Far View Sites, which are educational and take about an hour to explore.
After a full day in Chapin Mesa, head back to Far View Lodge to relax before enjoying a nice dinner at Metate Room.
Day 2: Wetherill Mesa
On your second day, head to the Wetherill Mesa area, where most sights are at the end of a 12-mile road. If possible, try to get reservations for a Long House tour—it’s definitely worth it!
Along the Long House Loop, there are a few other sites that require some hiking to reach, so plan accordingly.
Before leaving, make sure to visit Step House, a self-guided tour that takes about an hour and doesn’t require reservations.
On your way back toward the park entrance, take some time to stop at lookout points and hiking trails for one last chance to soak in the views before heading out.
Things to do Near Mesa Verde with Kids
Mesa Verde makes for a great stop on a Southern Colorado itinerary. Here are some of the other things to do in the area.
Canyon of the Ancients National Monument
Canyon of the Ancients National Monument is just 18 miles northwest of Mesa Verde National Park. The entire monument is a massive 275 square miles. Backcountry hiking is popular here.
For kids, it has a great museum that has some hands-on exhibits, artifacts, and a replica pit house that the Ancestral Puebloans would have lived in.
While you are here, check out the Escalante Trail outside of the building. This trail is paved and climbs up to the Escalante Pueblo. The trail is 1-mile roundtrip. At the top, there are beautiful views.
Durango
Durango is about 36 miles east of Mesa Verde National Park. Durango has some great kid-friendly attractions.
The #1 attraction in Durango is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. There are also numerous trails to explore, adventure activities, and playgrounds.
There are other attractions such as white water rafting and ziplining that would be great with kids in Durango. If you are short on time, there are guided tours from Durango to Mesa Verde.
San Juan Scenic Byway
The San Juan Scenic Byway is a gorgeous drive through the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests. It is one of the most beautiful drives in the United States.
This loop takes you through Dolores, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton, and Durango. It is a 233-mile long loop that takes about 7 hours to drive. Plan on spending multiple days seeing the attractions along the way.
Where to Stay Near Mesa Verde National Park
The closest town to Mesa Verde National Park is Mancos. It is only 8 miles east of the entrance station. Mancos is a very small town with a couple of accommodation options, a grocery store, and a few restaurants.
Cortez is a much larger town than Mancos and is still close to Mesa Verde. It is about 10 miles west of the entrance station. It has common chain hotels, restaurants, and a Walmart.
Durango is not as close as the other towns. It is about 35 miles east of the entrance station to Mesa Verde. But, it has the most attractions, restaurants, and accommodations.
Final Thoughts on Mesa Verde with Kids
That should be all of the information that you need to plan a great visit to Mesa Verde and the surrounding area with kids. No matter how much time you decide to spend here, I assure you that it is worth the trip!
