Mesa Verde National Park travel Guide

Mesa Verde National Park travel guide

National Airports

Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southwestern corner of Colorado. The park preserves some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings and archaeological sites of the ancestral Pueblo people. If you’re planning a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, you may be wondering about the best way to get there. Here’s a guide to the national airports near Mesa Verde National Park.

Durango-La Plata County Airport – Durango, Colorado Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is the closest airport to Mesa Verde National Park, located approximately 37 miles west of the park. The airport is served by several major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, providing daily nonstop flights to cities like Denver, Phoenix, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Los Angeles. From the airport, visitors can rent a car, take a taxi or shuttle service, or join a tour to get to Mesa Verde National Park.

Cortez Municipal Airport – Cortez, Colorado Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ) is another option for visitors traveling to Mesa Verde National Park, located approximately 10 miles from the park. The airport is served by Boutique Air, offering daily flights to Denver and Phoenix. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi to get to the park.

Albuquerque International Sunport – Albuquerque, New Mexico While not as close as Durango or Cortez, Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is another option for visitors traveling to Mesa Verde National Park, located approximately 290 miles south of the park. The airport is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, offering nonstop flights to cities across the United States. Visitors can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or join a tour to get to Mesa Verde National Park from the airport.

Grand Junction Regional Airport – Grand Junction, Colorado Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is located approximately 210 miles north of Mesa Verde National Park. The airport is served by several major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, providing nonstop flights to cities like Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas/Fort Worth. Visitors can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or join a tour to get to Mesa Verde National Park from the airport.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is located approximately 395 miles southwest of Mesa Verde National Park. The airport is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, offering nonstop flights to cities across the United States. Visitors can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or join a tour to get to Mesa Verde National Park from the airport.

In conclusion, if you’re planning a trip to Mesa Verde National Park, there are several national airports near the park that you can consider. The closest airport is Durango-La Plata County Airport, while Albuquerque International Sunport is the furthest. Regardless of which airport you choose, there are plenty of options for getting to the park, including rental cars, taxi and shuttle services, and organized tours.

Trains in Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado, near the town of Cortez. While there are no train stations directly in Mesa Verde, there are several options for visitors who prefer to travel by train.

The nearest Amtrak station to Mesa Verde is in Durango, Colorado, which is about an hour’s drive from the park. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route runs through Durango, offering service to cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Albuquerque.

Once you arrive in Durango, there are several transportation options to get to Mesa Verde National Park. Rental cars are available at the Durango train station, or you can take a shuttle or tour bus from Durango to the park.

Another option for train travel to Mesa Verde is to take the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This scenic train ride offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and takes passengers through the Animas River Valley. The train departs from the Durango train station and makes a stop in Silverton before returning to Durango. From there, visitors can take a shuttle or tour bus to Mesa Verde.

While train travel may not be the most convenient option for reaching Mesa Verde National Park, it can offer a unique and memorable experience for those who enjoy scenic train rides.

In addition to Amtrak and the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, there are also several private rail companies that offer tours and packages to Mesa Verde and other nearby attractions. These companies often offer luxury accommodations and dining on board, as well as guided tours and excursions.

Overall, while there are no train stations directly in Mesa Verde National Park, visitors who enjoy train travel can still easily reach the park via nearby Amtrak stations and private rail companies. The scenic train rides and unique travel experiences can add an extra element of adventure and excitement to any Mesa Verde National Park vacation.

Buses in Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a popular destination for visitors from around the world. While there are no public transportation options within the park, there are several bus tours and shuttle services available to help visitors explore the park and surrounding areas.

The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center offers several ranger-guided bus tours of the park. These tours provide a comprehensive overview of the history, culture, and natural beauty of Mesa Verde. Visitors can choose from a variety of tours, including a half-day tour of the park’s famous cliff dwellings, a full-day tour of the park’s backcountry, and a tour that focuses on the park’s archaeological sites.

In addition to ranger-guided bus tours, there are also several private companies that offer shuttle services and tours of Mesa Verde National Park. These companies offer a variety of options, including half-day and full-day tours of the park, as well as customized tours that cater to specific interests and preferences.

For visitors who prefer to explore the park on their own, there are also several rental car companies in the nearby town of Cortez, which is just a short drive from Mesa Verde. Visitors can rent a car and drive themselves to the park, allowing them to explore the park at their own pace.

Overall, while there are no public transportation options within Mesa Verde National Park, there are several bus tours, shuttle services, and rental car options available to help visitors explore the park and surrounding areas. Whether you choose to take a ranger-guided tour or rent a car and explore the park on your own, Mesa Verde National Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history, culture, and natural beauty of the American Southwest.

How to get to Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is located in the southwestern part of Colorado, and getting to the park can be done by various modes of transportation.

By Car: One of the most common ways to get to Mesa Verde National Park is by car. The park is located off of US Highway 160, between the towns of Cortez and Mancos. Visitors can enter the park via the Main Park Entrance, located 9 miles east of Cortez, or the Far View Entrance, located 15 miles further along the highway.

By Plane: The nearest airport to Mesa Verde National Park is the Cortez Municipal Airport, which is served by several regional airlines. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle service to the park.

Another option is to fly into the Durango-La Plata County Airport, which is about an hour’s drive from the park. The Durango-La Plata County Airport offers more flight options than the Cortez Municipal Airport, and visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle service from the airport to the park.

By Bus: Greyhound Lines offers bus service to the nearby town of Cortez, and from there visitors can take a shuttle service or rent a car to get to the park.

By Train: There is no train service directly to Mesa Verde National Park, but visitors can take the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to the nearby town of Durango. From Durango, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle service to the park.

Regardless of how you choose to get to Mesa Verde National Park, be sure to plan ahead and make any necessary reservations or arrangements, especially during peak travel seasons. The park is a popular destination, and accommodations and services can fill up quickly.

What is the best time to travel to Mesa Verde National Park

The best time to travel to Mesa Verde National Park depends on your interests and preferences. The park is open year-round, but the weather and available activities vary by season. Here are some things to consider when planning your trip:

Spring: Spring is a great time to visit Mesa Verde National Park, as the weather is mild and the park is less crowded than during the summer months. The wildflowers are in bloom, and the park’s ancient cliff dwellings are often framed by snow-capped mountains. However, some roads and facilities may still be closed due to snow and ice.

Summer: Summer is the busiest season in Mesa Verde National Park, with long days and warm temperatures. All park facilities are open, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, exploring the cliff dwellings, and attending ranger-led programs. However, the park can be crowded, and temperatures can reach into the 90s, so be prepared for heat and crowds.

Fall: Fall is another popular time to visit Mesa Verde National Park, as the weather is still mild and the crowds have thinned out. The changing leaves add a beautiful backdrop to the ancient ruins, and the park’s wildlife is often more active. However, some facilities may begin to close in preparation for winter.

Winter: Winter is a quieter time to visit Mesa Verde National Park, with fewer crowds and a peaceful, snowy landscape. Some of the park’s facilities are closed, but cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter photography are popular activities. However, roads and trails can be closed due to snow and ice, so be sure to check conditions before visiting.

In summary, the best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park depends on your interests and preferences. Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while summer is the busiest season with long days and warm temperatures. Winter is a quieter time to visit, but some facilities may be closed due to snow and ice. Whatever season you choose to visit, be sure to check current park conditions and plan ahead to make the most of your trip.

How to get around Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a large park with many attractions, and visitors have several options for getting around. Here are some ways to explore the park:

Driving: The park’s main entrance is located off US Highway 160, and visitors can explore the park by car on a 6-mile scenic drive. The road passes many of the park’s main attractions, including the Far View Sites, Cliff Palace, and Balcony House. Visitors can also take a self-guided driving tour of the park’s backcountry roads, although some roads may be closed due to weather or maintenance.

Hiking: Mesa Verde National Park has many hiking trails that offer stunning views of the park’s ancient cliff dwellings and natural beauty. Visitors can choose from easy, moderate, and difficult trails, ranging from short walks to all-day hikes. Some of the most popular trails include the Petroglyph Point Trail, the Prater Ridge Trail, and the Knife Edge Trail.

Ranger-led Tours: Ranger-led tours are a great way to learn about the history and culture of Mesa Verde National Park. Visitors can choose from several guided tours, including tours of Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House. The tours range in difficulty, and some require climbing ladders and crawling through tunnels.

Shuttle Buses: During the summer months, visitors can take a shuttle bus to several of the park’s main attractions, including Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and the Far View Sites. The shuttle service is free and runs every 10 to 15 minutes.

Biking: Biking is a popular way to explore Mesa Verde National Park, with several paved and unpaved roads and trails throughout the park. Visitors can bring their own bikes or rent them from the park’s Visitor Center.

It’s important to note that some areas of Mesa Verde National Park may be closed due to weather or maintenance, so be sure to check current park conditions before planning your visit. Additionally, visitors should be prepared for high elevation, steep terrain, and variable weather conditions, including strong winds, rain, and snow.

Accommodations in Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park offers several types of accommodations for visitors, including:

Far View Lodge: This is the only lodge within Mesa Verde National Park and offers a variety of rooms and suites. The lodge is located at the top of a mesa and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Morefield Campground: This campground offers more than 400 sites, including RV sites and tent sites. It also has amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and a camp store.

Spruce Tree House: This is a historic dwelling within Mesa Verde National Park that has been converted into a lodging facility. It offers six rooms with shared bathrooms and access to a kitchen.

Camping at Chapin Mesa: There are two campgrounds located on Chapin Mesa, Morefield and Mesa Verde RV Resort. Morefield offers tent and RV camping, while Mesa Verde RV Resort is exclusively for RVs.

Wetherill Mesa Camping: There is one campground located on Wetherill Mesa, and it offers tent camping only.

It’s important to note that accommodations within the park can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so it’s recommended to make reservations in advance.