Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. When is the Park open?

A. Mesa Verde National Park is open year round. The Park Schedule Home page gives you more detailed seasonal information.

Q. Does the campground take reservations?

A. Reservations are accepted for camp sites. More information is available on Mesa Verde camping on our Camping page.

Q. What lodging is available in the area?

A. Far View Lodge, located inside the park and operated by ARAMARK, has rooms available from mid-April through mid-October. Please see their site on Accomodations for more information. Or, for further information and/or reservations for the lodge can be made by calling (800) 449-2288 or (970) 529-4421. Lodging is also widely available through the Cortez, Mancos, Dolores, and Durango areas. Click on the Southwest Tourism Page or the Durango web page to check out the area.

Q. What dining facilities are available in the park?

A. Spruce Tree Terrace, across from the Chapin Mesa Museum, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sandwiches, salads, burgers and specials are offered. Far View Terrace, across from the Far View Visitor Center, is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. April through October. The Terrace is a full service cafeteria offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Metate Room, Far View Lodge, is open for fine dining (casual dress) from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The dining facilities are operated by the ARAMARK. Please see their web site on Restaurants for more information.

Q. What does it cost to enter the Park?

A. The fee for park entry is $10 per private vehicle or $5 per person (entering on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or non-commercial bus). The National Parks Pass, Golden Eagle Passport, Golden Age Passport and Golden Access Passports are accepted.

• National Parks Pass - May be purchased at the Entrance Station for a single fee of $50, entitling the bearer and anyone in the private vehicle entrance to ANY National Park that charges an entrance fee. This pass is valid for one full year from first use in a National Park.

• Golden Eagle Passport - For an additional $15 over the cost of a National Parks Pass, a Golden Eagle hologram may be purchased and affixed to a National Parks Pass to cover entrance fees at not only national parks, but also at sites managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U. S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. This may be purchased at the Entrance Station. This passport is valid until the expiration of the National Parks Pass to which it is affixed.

• Golden Age Passports - May be purchased at the Entrance Station for a one time fee of $10 to visitors that meet age and residency requirements.

• Golden Access Passports - May be obtained for no fee at the Entrance Station for visitors who meet requirements for this pass.

• For detailed information on the above mentioned passes, please go to THE NATIONAL PARKS PASS web page.

There is a $3.00 tour fee per person to enter Cliff Palace, Balcony House or Long House. Tickets are available at the Far View Visitor Center ONLYduring the summer season, on a first come, first served basis. You may buy tickets for the same day or one day in advance of the tour. The Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the summer season. In the fall season, ticket sales are available at the Mesa Verde Archeological Museum for tours of Cliff Palace after tours close for Balcony House. Please see schedules for actual time periods that tour tickets are available at the museum. The Park Schedule Home page gives you more detailed seasonal information.

Commercial tour operators should contact the Chief Rangers Office at (970) 529-4461 for details on commercial tour fees.

Q. Are Pets allowed in the park?

A. Pets are allowed in the park on a very limited basis. They are allowed in parking lots and in the campground only and must be under your physical control at all times. Pets should not be left alone or in vehicles. They are NOT allowed in archaeological sites or on any of the park trails. There are no kenneling facilities available in the park, but there are some available in Cortez and Durango.

Still Have a Question?

You can email us at General Park Information