“They didn’t write books. They built them into cliffs.”
Long before textbooks and timelines, the Ancestral Puebloans etched their legacy into the sandstone of Mesa Verde. Around 1200 AD, they carved entire cities into sheer cliff walls, including homes, gathering spaces, and even towers, all without the use of wheels, metal tools, or draft animals. These weren’t just shelters. They were sacred. They were surviving. They were stories in stone.
Mesa Verde offers one of the most remarkable windows into ancient life in North America. Here, history lives in the architecture, the pathways, and the echoes between canyon walls.
It’s a place where every structure invites you to imagine the people who once called it home.
With your self-guided audio tour, you’ll hear the stories behind the ruins, uncover the culture that shaped them, and explore the high desert landscape on your schedule. No cell signal, no crowds getting in the way.
Some highlights waiting along the way:
Cliff Palace is the largest and most iconic cliff dwelling in the park.
Balcony House, where ladders and tunnels lead to ancient rooms.
Petroglyph Point is home to centuries-old rock carvings.
Far View House and Coyote Village remain a once-thriving community on the mesa top.
Sun Temple is a structure whose purpose is still debated by experts.
Heads-up, time travelers: This journey may cause spontaneous wonder, deep respect for ancient engineering, and an uncontrollable urge to say, “How did they even do that?”
Download the Mesa Verde National Park Trip Planner for more details on how to reach the park, must-see stops, best places to stay, when to visit, activities to do, packing tips, and more!
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Know Before You Go
NOTE:
- Road Work: Repairs will occur on the northern end of Park Road and on access roads to Cedar Tree Tower and the Far View sites.
- Delays: While main driving routes will remain open, visitors may experience delays of up to 30 minutes.
- Closures: Certain overlooks in the Square Tower House area, Mesa Top Loop Road, and Cliff Palace Loop Road may be closed individually for repairs. The loop roads will remain open to one-way traffic.
For updated road conditions, you can visit the alerts section on nps.gov. Entrance passes are required for all visitors. Please click on entrance fees to know more.
Nearby Tours
Driving
2-3 Hours
45+ Stories
40+ Miles
Walking
1-2 hours
10+ stories
2+ miles
Driving
4-5 Hours
60+ Stories
70+ Miles
Driving
2-3 Hours
37 Audio Points
15+ Miles
Mesa Verde National Park Map
Starting Point
You can begin the tour at the suggested starting location provided below.
Mesa Verde National Park Entrance Sign, Mancos, CO 81328, USA
Begin from the Mesa Verde National Park Entrance Sign, CO 81328, USA.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Mesa Verde National Park Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Welcome
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The Green Table
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The Bircher Fire
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Mancos Valley Overlook
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Hike: Point Lookout
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Visiting Point Lookout
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The Ancestral Puebloans
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The Wild Turkey
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Montezuma Valley Overlook
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The Cliff Dwellings
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Park Point
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Geologic Overlook
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Puebloan Culture
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Long House, Step House
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Approaching Far View Reservoir
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Far View House
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Coyote Village
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Far View Reservoir
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Megalithic House
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Far View Tower
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Grave Robbing
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Cedar Tree Tower
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Petroglyph Point Trail
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Spruce Tree House
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Wildlife on the Mesa
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Cliff Palace
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House of Many Windows
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Hemenway House
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Soda Canyon Overlook Trail
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Creating the Park
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Pithouse
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Navajo Canyon View & Square Tower House
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Sun Point Pueblo
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Sun Point View
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Oak Tree House
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The Great Abandonment
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Sun Temple
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Yes, Mesa Verde National Park is definitely worth visiting for its unique archaeological sites and rich Native American history.
The time needed to explore Mesa Verde National Park can vary, but most visitors spend at least one full day to see the main attractions and cliff dwellings.
Mesa Verde is famous for its well-preserved ancient cliff dwellings, which are some of the most notable archaeological sites in North America.
While some areas can be explored independently, many cliff dwellings require guided tours for visitor safety and preservation purposes.
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit Mesa Verde due to milder weather and fewer crowds. Summers can be crowded, and winters may have limited access to some areas.
Yes, there are camping facilities available within the park, but reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.
Mesa Verde offers educational exhibits and information about the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived in the area, including their culture, architecture, and daily life.
Pets are allowed in some areas of the park but must be on a leash at all times. There are restrictions on where pets can go, so it’s essential to check the park’s pet policy before your visit.
Evening hours offer great opportunities for sunset photography at Mesa Verde. Check with park rangers for specific sunset times during your visit.
No, drones are not allowed in Mesa Verde National Park due to regulations aimed at preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Explore 230+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
