Cliff Dwelling Tours

Ranger-led tours help to preserve the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people at Mesa Verde, while providing invaluable information to visitors about each site.

NPS/Brady Richards

Visit the Past

• To enter all cliff dwellings, you must have a reservation on a ranger-led tour, with the exception of Step House on Wetherill Mesa.
• The 2026 tour season is May 4 - October 21 and Wetherill Mesa is open May 22 - October 21.
• Drive times to sites vary between 55 to 90 minutes, and may also involve a walk to the tour location. Reference the directions received with your reservation email and plan ahead to reach your tour on time.
• American Sign Language interpreters are available upon request. Contact the park to request an ASL interpreter at least one week in advance of your tour reservation.
• Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Make A Reservation

Tour reservations are only available on recreation.gov or by calling the toll free number 1-877-444-6777. Reservations open 14 days in advance, beginning at 8:00 am MDT and fill up early. However, if someone cancels their reservation these tickets become available and can be purchased only at recreation.gov up to two hours before a tour. Reserving a tour is much easier if you create a recreation.gov account in advance. Go to recreation.gov and select the "Sign Up/Log In" tab in the upper right corner.

A Digital Confirmation

You will only receive digital confirmation and a digital ticket which is your reservation.
You will not receive a paper ticket. Please take a screenshot of your reservation or print a paper copy before you arrive at the park and bring it with you to show the ranger before your tour. Without it, you will not be allowed on a tour. Because cell service is extremely limited, reservations cannot be accessed at tour sites.

 

A section of Cliff Palace where visitors observe the construction up close.

NPS Photo/Sandy Groves

Chapin Mesa Cliff Dwelling Tours

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace is the largest known cliff dwelling in North America. Built between 1190 and 1280 CE, Cliff Palace was once home to over 100 people. Today, it stands as a testament to the engineering and artistic achievements of the Ancestral Pueblo people. For look before you visit, check out the Cliff Palace tour video or the Cliff Palace Virtual Tour!

What to expect

On this 45-minute ranger-led tour, you will descend uneven stone steps and climb four ladders, with an elevation change of 100 ft (30 m). Total walking distance is 1/4 mile (0.4 km). All persons, including children, must be capable of climbing the ladders on their own. Infants must be placed in a carrier and the adults carrying them must be able to maintain mobility and balance while climbing.

Know your physical health before joining a tour of Cliff Palace, especially if you have heart or respiratory problems, or other physical difficulties. Elevations range between 7,000 and 7,500 ft (2134 m and 2286 m) above sea level. You should plan for all weather possibilities because conditions can vary.

When are the Tours

The 2026 tour season is May 4 - October 21. Tours generally occur each day during the season but times are subject to change for circumstances such as safety and staffing. Go to recreation.gov or call the toll free number 1-877-444-6777 for complete times and dates, additional safety recommendations, costs, and other important information.

 

Looking down from Balcony House at the 32-foot (9.8 m) ladder which visitors must climb.

NPS photo

Balcony House

A tour of Balcony House is one of the most adventurous in the park and not for the faint-of-heart. You will scale the face of a cliff via several tall ladders, squeeze your way through a narrow tunnel on your hands and knees, and explore some of the same passages used over 800 years ago! For those ready for the challenge, this tour offers you the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Ancestral Pueblo residents who lived there. For a look before you visit, check out the Balcony House tour video or the Balcony House Virtual Tour!

What to Expect

On this one-hour tour to Balcony House, you will climb a 32 ft (9.8 m) ladder, crawl through an 18 in (45 cm) wide by 27 in (68 cm) tall tunnel extending 12 ft (3.7 m) long, and climb up a 65 ft (20 m) open cliff face with 31 ft of steep uneven stone steps and two 18 ft (5.5 m) ladders to exit. Children must be capable of climbing the ladders on their own. Infants must be placed in a carrier and the adults carrying them must be able to maintain mobility and balance.

Know your physical health before joining a tour of Balcony House, especially if you have heart or respiratory problems, or other physical difficulties. Elevations range between 7,000 and 7,500 ft (2134 m and 2286 m) above sea level. You should plan for all weather possibilities because conditions can vary.

When are the Tours

The 2026 tour season is May 4 - October 21. Tours generally occur each day during the season but times are subject to change for circumstances such as safety and staffing. Go to recreation.gov or call the toll free number 1-877-444-6777 for complete times and dates, additional safety recommendations, costs, and other important information.

 

Some of the ascents one can expect to make at Long House.

NPS

Wetherill Mesa Cliff Dwelling Tours

Wetherill Mesa is open May 22 - October 21 for the 2026 season. Go to the Wetherill Mesa webpage for complete info or continue below for tours in the area.

Long House

Within the sandstone alcove are public places and personal spaces representing an expansive community. It is the secong largest dwelling in Mesa Verde—298 feet end to end. Over 150 rooms, a large plaza, an active spring, graineries and kivas offer a glimpse into Ancestral life. For a look before you visit, check out the Long House Tour Video!

What to expect

This 90-minute, ranger-guided tour begins and ends at the Long House trailhead which is a 20 minute, 0.75 mile (1.2 km) walk from the Wetherill Mesa parking lot. The tour involves hiking 2.25 miles (3.6 km) round-trip (including to and from parking) with an elevation loss/gain of about 130 feet (40 m), descending a steep staircase and climbing two 15 ft (4.5 m) ladders within the site. Allow 115 minutes to 135 minutes for the entire Long House experience (the total time for the tour and the walk between the pavillion and the Long House trailhead).

Consider your physical health before joining a strenuous Long House tour, especially if you have heart or respiratory problems or other physical difficulties. Elevations range between 7,000 and 7,500 feet (2134 m and 2286 m) above sea level. Plan for all weather possibilities. It's possible to begin your hike in full sun and end with a thunderstorm or snowstorm.

When are the tours

Wetherill Mesa is open May 22 - October 21 for the 2026 season. Tour times are subject to change for circumstances such as safety and staffing. Go to recreation.gov or call the toll free number 1-877-444-6777 for complete times and dates, additional safety recommendations, costs, and other important information.

 

Step House offers a self-guided experience through a cliff dwelling, with rangers present to answer questions.

NPS

Step House

A site with both a cliff dwelling (ca 1200 CE) and earlier pithouses (ca 600 CE) in the same alcove. Step House offers a look at how 800 years of habitation at Mesa Verde changed over time. A self-guided site when a ranger is present to answer questions. Step House does not require a reservation to enter.

What to expect

The trail begins at the Wetherill Pavilion. It is 1 mile (1.6 km) round-trip along a dirt and paved surface with stairs. Dogs and bicycles are permitted throughout Wetherill Mesa but NOT on the trail to or within Step House. There is an elevation change of 165 ft (50 m). Visit the Wetherill Mesa page for complete details on hours and other information.

When are the tours

Wetherill Mesa is open May 22 - October 21 for the 2026 season. Step House opens at 9:00 am. The last entry into the site is 2:45 pm.

 

View of Square Tower House

NPS

Backcountry Tours

On these special tours, rangers guide groups into Mesa Verde's backcountry to visit the park's less well-known cliff dwellings. Backcountry tours are held once daily starting May 4th (Square Tower House) or May 22nd (Mug House) and are limited to 10 people. Other backcountry tour sites may become available on recreation.gov as the tour season progresses.

Square Tower House

Featuring the tallest standing structure in the park, an intact kiva roof, original plaster and paint, and plentiful rock art, Square Tower House is one of Mesa Verde's most impressive cliff dwellings. Visitors to the Mesa Top Loop can get a great view from the overlook, but intrepid hikers are treated to an adventurous and intimate look inside Square Tower House on this special ranger-guided tour.

What to Expect

This strenuous, ranger-led, 120-minute tour is a 1-mile (1.6 km) in and out access along an unpaved, uneven trail. It descends 120 ft (37 m), and includes steep drop-offs, switchbacks, and two 16 ft (5 m) ladders. Each hiker must be able to scramble over boulders, walk a 34 ft long (10 m), narrow cliff ledge, navigate steep gravel trails, and descend/ascend ladders unassisted.

Know your physical health and fitness before joining a Square Tower House tour. Elevations range between 7,000 and 7,500 ft (2134 m and 2286 m) above sea level. You should plan for all weather possibilities because conditions can vary. It's possible to begin your hike in full sun and end with a thunderstorm. Bring a minimum of 1/2 gallon (2 liters) of water per person.

When are the tours

The 2026 tour season is May 4 - October 21. Tours generally occur each day during the season but times are subject to change for circumstances such as safety and staffing. Go to recreation.gov or call the toll free number 1-877-444-6777 for complete times and dates, additional safety recommendations, costs, and other important information.

 

Where visitors can expect to go on their tour of Mug House

NPS

Mug House

Visit a cliff dwelling, once home to 80-to-100 people, that was named for its large assemblage of pottery, including three mugs strung together on yucca cordage found hanging on a peg inside one building. Along the trail are other sites with painted rock walls and stunning views of Rock Canyon.

What to expect

This strenuous, 120-minute tour begins at the Wetherill Pavilion. It is a 2.25 mile (3.6 km) round-trip along an uneven, unpaved trail that descends 100 ft (30 m) and includes steep drop-offs, switchbacks, and scrambling up and down boulders. Tour participatants must scramble over boulders, navitgate steep gravel trails, and descend/ascend a 6 ft (2 m) ladder unassisted.

Know your physical health and fitness before joining a Mug House tour. Elevations range between 7,000 and 7,500 ft (2134 m and 2286 m) above sea level. You should plan for all weather possibilities because conditions can vary. It's possible to begin your hike in full sun and end with a thunderstorm. Bring a minimum of 1/2 gallon (2 liters) of water per person.

When are the tours

Wetherill Mesa is open May 22 - October 21 for the 2026 season. Tour times are subject to change for circumstances such as safety and staffing. Go to recreation.gov or call the toll free number 1-877-444-6777 for complete times and dates, additional safety recommendations, costs, and other important information.

 

A massive sandstone alcove protects the structures built within it.

Oak Tree House

This 60-room site built on two ledges is one of the largest cliff dwellings in the park. Oak Tree House is a well preserved but fragile site that features plastered walls and varied architectural styles. During the hike, you will also have stunning views of Cliff Canyon, Cliff Palace, and Sun Temple.

What to expect

This strenuous, ranger-led 120-minute tour is a 1-mile (1.6 km) round-trip along an unpaved, uneven trail. Expect a narrow, unpaved, uneven trail, with steps carved into the sandstone, steep drop-offs, and two ladders (4-foot and 15-foot) (1.2 m to 4.6 m). Total elevation change is 200 feet (61 m). Each hiker must be able to scramble over boulders, navigate steep gravel trails, and descend/ascend ladders unassisted. You will move along a 15 foot (4.5 m) open cliff face with uneven stone steps and a rope guideline.

Know your physical health and fitness before joining an Oak Tree House tour. Elevations range between 7,000 and 7,500 ft (2134 m and 2286 m) above sea level. You should plan for all weather possibilities because conditions can vary. It's possible to begin your hike in full sun and end with a thunderstorm. Bring a minimum of 1/2 gallon (2 liters) of water per person.

When are the tours

Oak Tree House tours are conducted intermittently and may not be available. Check recreation.gov for availability.