Operating Hours & Seasons

Park Hours

MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK IS OPEN DAILY, YEAR-ROUND. You can arrive at any time. No reservations are needed to enter the park. The Current Conditions page is the best resource to find information about current operations, closures, and more. During the summer Ancestral sites, picnic areas, and most trails are open 8 am–sunset.

Visitor & Research Center

January 2nd – December 31st, 2024, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, DAILY
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

Mesa Verde Museum

January 2 - May 4th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, DAILY
May 5 - October 19 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, DAILY
October 20 - December 31 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, DAILY
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

Wetherill Mesa

Wetherill Mesa is open May 23 to September 1, 2025.
• Entry gate opens at 8:30 am and the last entry of the day is 2:00 pm
• All visitors must exit by 4:00 pm when the gate closes for the night
• Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

 

What to Know

• Current Conditions
• Basic Info
• Weather
• Lodging and Food
• Morefield Campground
• Cliff Dwelling Tours

Seasons

The park is open year round, but the operating hours for many facilities and services change depending on the season. This is also true for concession managed facilities including the campground, lodge, and restaurants. For more concessions information go to visitmesaverde.com and for current conditions, use the links in the What to Know file. 

It is a 45-minute drive from the park entrance to the first view of a cliff dwelling. Towed vehicles are not permitted beyond Morefield Campground. A parking area to unhitch and leave towed vehicles is located before the entrance station. 

 

Visiting in Spring

Spring is a wonderful time to experience Mesa Verde National Park. Parts of the park begin to reopen as the winter chill thaws. Many cliff dwellings, including Cliff Palace (via Sun Temple) and Spruce Tree House, can be seen from overlooks and The Cliff Dwelling tour begins in May.

Winter conditions are possible throughout spring. Watch the weather forecast which often changes from day to day. Delayed openings and temporary park closures are announced on Mesa Verde's Facebook page and will appear on the park website at Current Conditions page. If snow is still on the ground, winter activities may be available and are described on the Winter at Mesa Verde webpage.

Click for more about visiting Mesa Verde in Spring.

 

Summer rain storms are sometimes forecasted and other times unexpected. The

NPS photo 2013

Visiting in Summer

This season has the highest visitation and the most opportunities to experience many aspects of the park. With wildflowers in bloom and grasses growing you are more likely to catch a glimpse of the wildlife, including bears, bobcats, gopher snakes, and bees.

It is also a time of uncertainty especially when it comes to weather. You might encounter rain, storms, extreme heat and strong winds.

Go to Things to Do or click one of these links to learn more about summer activities:
Hiking
Birding
Cliff Dwelling Tours
Stargazing
Evening Programs

 

Visiting in Fall

Fall is quieter, cooler, and a much more intimate time to visit. There is less traffic, waning evening light, and a splash of autumn gold. There are some scheduled activities into October, but late fall is mostly about self-guided tours, hiking and activities such as star gazing and photography— but you have to know when to catch the light.

There is still time to reserve a cliff dwelling tour which end In mid to late October. Know before you go about the challenges, times, restrictions and how to make a reservation. Learn about each tour on the cliff dwelling tours page.

Download the Mesa Top Loop Audio Tour to experience a Pueblo voice and perspective. Whether you ahave a day or a few hours go to Visiting in Fall for trip planning suggestions.

 

These winter visitors are walking up the Spruce Tree House Trail.

NPS

Visiting in Winter

With elevations from 7,000 to 8,500 feet (2134 to 2590 m), snow is always possible during the winter months. All activities depend on road, trail, and weather conditions. Please check the weather forecast for the Mesa Verde area before you arrive and check with a park ranger at the entrance gate when you arrive for current road and trail conditions.

Winter is a wonderful time to visit Mesa Verde National Park. Step back in time and drive the Mesa Top Loop Road to explore 700 years of Ancestral Pueblo history; gain a Pueblo perspective of Mesa Verde from a direct descendant of the people who lived here; and view Spruce Tree House surrounded by winter snow.

Many facilities are closed in winter including Far View Lodge, Morefield Campground, and most dining facilities. Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center and the Mesa Verde Museum are open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Check the webpages for hours.

The Winter Activities webpage offers information about exploring the park on your own, cross-countryskiing, snowshoeing, and conditions of winter trails at Mesa Verde.