Alerts & Conditions

 

Mesa Verde National Park is in a Phased Reopening

The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Based on guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, the park reopened on Sunday, May 24. Access within the park is as follows:

 

 

These Areas and Facilities Are Open

• Main Park Road and all overlooks including Montezuma Overlook, Park Point, and Geologic Overlook
• Morefield Campground (for details, please visit www.visitmesaverde.com)
• Far View Terrace Cafe and Gift Shop (for details, please visit www.visitmesaverde.com)
• Far View Lodge (for details, please visit www.visitmesaverde.com)
• Far View Archeological Sites
• Mesa Top Loop Drive, all stops and overlooks. Includes views of cliff dwellings such as Square Tower House and Cliff Palace.
• Cliff Palace/Balcony House Loop Drive, all stops and overlooks. Includes views of cliff dwellings such as Cliff Palace and Hemenway House.
• Spruce Tree House Overlooks
• Chapin Mesa and Morefield Hiking trails (Only Spruce Canyon Trail remains closed.)
• Chapin Mesa Picnic Area
• All restrooms
• A Virtual Ranger Station will be available in the outdoor area of the Visitor and Research Center, near the park entrance, which will help you plan your visit. You can also go to the Plan Your Visit page on our website to help you plan your visit before arriving at the park.

While the above areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. Conditions may change quickly, which could affect facilities and services.

As Mesa Verde continues to have limited operations due to COVID-19, some facilities may not be available, and staffing may be limited. Visitors should adjust their expectations accordingly and should practice social distancing, personal hygiene, and other behaviors to avoid infection in public areas. When recreating, please follow local area health orders, such as Montezuma County COVID-19 Information and Resources or Colorado Department of Health and Environment. The CDC has also offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Please practice Leave No Trace principles and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities. Visitors should not rely upon site staff to ensure their protection from contagious disease.

 

 

These Areas Remain Closed Until Further Notice

• Mesa Verde Research & Visitor Center
• Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
• All cliff dwellings and ranger-guided cliff dwelling tours. This includes continued closures of Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Long House, and Step House.
• Wetherill Mesa Road
• Spruce Canyon Trail
• Wetherill Mesa Road, sites, and trails.
• Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe and Gift Shop (for details, please visit www.visitmesaverde.com)

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For additional information, public health precautions, and helpful local public health resources, visit our Operational Update Page.