Hours of Operation

Closures

Mesa Verde has a number of safety and project-related closures in place, including the Cliff Palace Loop Road, the Chapin Mesa Museum, and Spruce Tree House. Follow the link for more information on current closures.

 

Road Work

Road work will be active throughout the park this season and construction is ongoing around park headquarters. Please allow extra time to reach your destination, drive slowly, and be alert to workers and heavy equipment.

 

The snowcapped La Plata Mountains rise to the northeast of Mesa Verde

NPS/Kayla McCraren

2022 Hours of Operation

The park is always open, except under emergency conditions. Sites, picnic areas, and most trails are open 8 am–sunset. Check the park's Facebook page for the most current information on closures.

 

Visitor & Research Center

Visitor Center and Mesa Verde Association Bookstore
8:30 am - 4 pm daily (March 21 to October 22, 2022)
9 am - 3 pm daily (October 23 to December 31, 2022)

Parking lot, restrooms, and Outdoor Information
Open daily 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

Closed due to heating and cooling replacement, accessibility modifications, and renovations. For more information see Closures.

Hiking Trails

Hiking trails do not close, except under emergency conditions. Wetherill Mesa, including hiking trails, is closed nightly and seasonally. See current hours below.

 

Cliff Dwelling Tours

Most cliff dwellings can only be visited on a ticketed tour with a ranger. Tours are offered May 1 to October 22, 2022. Tickets are required and are available online 14 days in advance of tour. Read more about Cliff Dwelling Tours and buy tickets on Recreation.gov.

Evening Programs

Due to short staffing, we are unable to offer regular evening programs this summer.
Please see the Cultural Dances and Demonstrations page for information on special events. Information about special events will also be posted at the park entrance station and in the campground.

 

Wetherill Mesa

Open daily 8 am to 6 pm, last entry at 4:30 pm
May 1 to October 22, Weather permitting early and late in the season.

No bicycles or vehicles over 25 feet (8 m) or over 8,000 pounds (3,628 kg) GVW are allowed on the narrow, winding 12 mile (19 km) road to Wetherill Mesa.

Explore Things to Do on Wetherill Mesa and find out what's open and when below.

Wetherill Mesa Information Kiosk

Open 9 am-4 pm (May 1 to October 22, 2022)
Coverage intermittent in shoulder season (May 1 to May 21)

Step House

Open 9 am-3 pm, last entry 2:45 pm (May 1 to May 21, 2022)
Open 9 am-3:45 pm, last entry 3:30 pm (May 22 to October 22, 2022)

 

Food & Lodging

Lodging, dining, and gift shops are operated by Aramark, the official park concessionaire. Follow the links for more information on restaurants, the Far View Lodge, Morefield Campground, and Aramark's Visit Mesa Verde page.

Far View Terrace Gifts, café, and dining	7 am–3 pm (Food Service) 7 am–5 pm (Retail)
Far View Lodge Lodging, gift shop; front desk open 24 hours	Open 24 hours (April 14 to October 26)
Metate Room Dinner at Far View Lodge	5-9 pm (April 14 to May 29) 5-9:30 pm (May 30 to September 7) 5-9 pm (September 8 to October 26)
Far View Lounge Drinks and Pub Eats at Far View Lodge	4-9 pm (April 14 to May 29) 4-9:30 pm (May 30 to September 7) 4-9 pm (September 9 to October 26)
Morefield Campground Camping	Full Services, with 24 hour Showers & Laundry (April 28 to October 12) Limited Services (October 13-26)
Morefield Campground Store Groceries and gifts	9 am–7 pm (April 28 to May 25) 7 am–7 pm (May 26 to September 7) 9 am–5 pm (September 8 to October 12)
Knife Edge Café Breakfast, at Campground Store	7 am–10 am (April 28 to October 12)
Spruce Tree Terrace Lunch and gifts	9 am–3 pm (Food Service) 9 am–4 pm (Retail)