Conditions and Alerts

Alerts

Winter Closures

Unless an alert is posted identifing a delayed opening or closure due to snow and ice, the main park road is always open.

11/13/2025 Wetherill Mesa is closed throughout winter and other areas may close as winter conditions increase. In closed areas, pedestrian traffic is not permitted—including all forms of winter sport, hiking, and bicyling. Areas will reopen in the spring as weather, safety, and ground conditions permit.

Go to Visiting in Winter for how to plan your activities.

Lodging, Camping, Eating

• Far View Lodge, the only lodging within Mesa Verde National Park, is closed for the winter season. Please look for accomodations in the gateway communities of Mancos, CO, and Cortez, CO.
• Morefield Campground is closed for camping during winter. It will reopen in April 2026. There is no overnight camping anywhere in the park. Winter camping is very limited in the area.
• During winter, the only food service in the park is at Spruce Tree Terrace. It is open 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. daily. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Convenient cafeteria service near Mesa Verde park headquarters and the Museum.

Cliff Dwelling Tours

Cliff dwelling tours and access to cliff dwellings are closed for the season. Go to the Cliff Dwelling Tour webpage for videos and information.

 

Winter Travel in the Park

• Give the roads crew plenty of time and space for snow removal.
• A plowed road does not mean conditions are safe for all vehicles.
• Colorado traction/chain laws apply within the park see the following.

Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws

During winter storms, or when conditions require, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law. CDOT can implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws on any state highway. During a Traction Law, all motorists are required to have:

1. AWD/4WD vehicles with tires designated as mud and snow (M+S icon) and 3/16" tread depth OR
2. AWD/4WD vehicles with winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon) and 3/16" tread depth OR
3. AWD/4WD vehicles with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer and 3/16" tread depth OR
4. Chains or an approved alternative traction device

 

Spruce Tree House

Spruce Tree House has been closed to visitors since 2015, due to a danger of rock fall. Visitors can view Spruce Tree House from overlooks behind the Mesa Verde Museum in the Park Headquarters area. The National Park Service is working on a project to stabilize the arch so that the site may be reopened. More information about the closure is found on the Spruce Tree House Closure page.