Welcome to the Mesa Verde National Park Tour
Uncover ancient history with this self-guided driving tour through Mesa Verde, Colorado. Home to the world-famous cliff dwellings built nearly 1,000 years ago, this plateau has no shortage of breathtaking sights. Delve into the story of the Ancestral Puebloan people and their ingenious architecture as you admire these sprawling dwellings built into cliff faces. Take in sweeping vistas. Embark on unforgettable hikes through the high desert. And so much more!
About the Tour
Your Mesa Verde tours experience begins at the Mesa Verde Entrance Sign. From there, you’ll cruise into the park and witness the beauty of the landscape from the Mancos Valley Overlook and the Montezuma Valley Overlook. Next, you’ll hear all about the Cliff Dwellings which define this region.
Explore Puebloan Culture, then pay a visit to Far View House and Coyote Village for a glimpse into daily life centuries ago. Petroglyph Point Trail leads you to ancient art, while Spruce Tree House showcases remarkable dwellings. Soon, though, you’ll reach the incomparable Cliff Palace, a sprawling complex built high up on the sheer face of a cliff! Following that is the House of Many Windows, Hemenway House, and Balcony House, among the most famous cliff dwellings of this amazing archaeological site.
Embark on a gorgeous desert hike if you so choose at the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail. Throughout this Mesa Verde National Park tours journey, you can even hear about the creation of the park and the struggle between archaeologists and graverobbers!
Next, you’ll see even older dwellings at the Pithouse and Sun Point Pueblo. Learn about the Great Abandonment as you cruise among these ancient abodes, before finally making your way to the impressive ceremonial site known as Sun Temple. Your tour concludes here.
NOTE:
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.
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
Mesa Verde National Park Map
Where To Start?
Tour Starting Address: Mesa Verde National Park Sign Mancos, CO 81328, United States
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Story Highlights
-
Welcome
-
The Green Table
-
The Bircher Fire
-
Mancos Valley Overlook
-
Hike: Point Lookout
-
Visiting Point Lookout
-
The Ancestral Puebloans
-
The Wild Turkey
-
Montezuma Valley Overlook
-
The Cliff Dwellings
-
Park Point
-
Geologic Overlook
-
Puebloan Culture
-
Long House, Step House
-
Approaching Far View Reservoir
-
Far View House
-
Coyote Village
-
Far View Reservoir
-
Megalithic House
-
Far View Tower
-
Grave Robbing
-
Cedar Tree Tower
-
Petroglyph Point Trail
-
Spruce Tree House
-
Wildlife on the Mesa
-
Cliff Palace
-
House of Many Windows
-
Hemenway House
-
Soda Canyon Overlook Trail
-
Creating the Park
-
Pithouse
-
Navajo Canyon View & Square Tower House
-
Sun Point Pueblo
-
Sun Point View
-
Oak Tree House
-
The Great Abandonment
-
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.
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
