Online Virtual Ranger Station

 
Smiling ranger in flat hat in front of an ancient, stone-masonry village.
Superintendent Cliff Spencer

A Message from the Superintendent

Welcome to Mesa Verde National Park. This year our operation still looks a little different. We thank you for your understanding as we work hard to keep you, our staff, and the resources we protect safe. We encourage you to practice good health measures throughout your stay.

  • Keep six feet (2 m) distance between you and other visitors to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
  • Thoroughly wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching railings, door handles, and other objects.
  • Masks are currently required while in buildings, on cliff dwelling tours, and outdoor areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained. We recommend keeping a mask with you throughout your visit in case you encounter an area where adequate distancing is not possible. Wearing a mask can help prevent transmission of the virus even if you or others do not feel sick. More information is provided below.
 

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Know Before You Go

No reservations are needed to enter the park. During the winter and early spring season, much of your visit will be self-guided. Although all cliff dwellings are closed, there is plenty to see and do in the park, including magnificent cliff dwelling views. Please use this page to help you plan your visit to the park before you arrive. It is full of links to helpful information to let you know what is available, what is open, and what self-guided opportunities there are for you to enjoy while in the park.

Visitors should be prepared to adjust their expectations accordingly and should practice social distancing, personal hygiene, and other behaviors to avoid infection in public areas. Although park rangers will be monitoring and available for assistance, visitors should not rely upon site staff to ensure their protection from contagious disease. Enjoy your park and please recreate responsibly, follow CDC guidance for outdoor recreation, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Thank you for helping to keep yourself and others safe and healthy.

For public health and safety, individuals two years of age and older must wear masks (except when actively eating or drinking) while in buildings, on cliff dwelling tours, and outdoors where physical distancing is not possible. There are some areas in the park where physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot reasonably be maintained. Because of this, masks are also required in the following outdoor locations when others are present.

  • Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center Plaza
  • Far View Site Trail and Parking Lot
  • Petroglyph Point Trail
  • Cliff Palace Overlook
  • Square Tower Overlook
  • Wetherill Mesa Information Kiosk
  • Step House Cliff Dwelling

 
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What is Open? What Remains Closed?

For information on what facilities, roads, trails, and other recreational opportunities are available, please visit our Phased Reopening Update page.

 
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Get the Most From Your Visit by Planning Ahead

 
 
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Current Travel Updates


Visitors traveling from outside the state of Colorado should be aware that they may be traveling through the Navajo Nation on their journey. Due to the significant impact the pandemic has had on residents, there may be curfews in place and services may be limited; especially for those traveling at night. Please be respectful of these residents and plan accordingly prior to passing through Navajo Nation lands. For additional information, visit https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19.

Last updated: March 30, 2021

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

PO Box 8
Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330

Phone:

970-529-4465

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