Winter at Mesa Verde

Winter is a wonderful time to visit Mesa Verde National Park. Although cliff dwelling tours are over for the season, many cliff dwellings can be viewed from overlooks. Step back in time and drive the Mesa Top Loop road to explore 700 years of Ancestral Pueblo history; visit the Museum to see a turkey-feather boot worn long ago; and view Spruce Tree House surrounded by winter snow. For more information, download the Winter Visitor Guide.

 

Be Prepared for Winter Weather Road Conditions

Note: 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 weather forecasts for the Mesa Verde area before you arrive and check with a park ranger at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center for current road and trail conditions.

 

 

Winter Recreational Activities for 2019-2020

 

Winterfest! 2020

Winterfest! 2020 is coming Friday, February 28 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Join us and enjoy the unique opportunity to explore Mesa Verde's Morefield Campground and the Meadow Bliss and Cottontail Loop Trails in the moonlight. Check our Winterfest! page for details.

 

Winter in Mesa Verde can also offer a wonderful opportunity for Nordic (Cross-country) skiing, snowshoeing and walking. Winter trails will be available once there is an appreciable amount of snow and the park has begun to groom the trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. (Please check the park's Hiking page for trails that are available before the snow falls and the winter trails are open.)

• Nordic/Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Winter Hiking Opportunities
  Use this link for information and maps on winter trails available for recreational use in Mesa Verde National Park.

For winter trails updates:

• Visit the Winter Trails Condition Report Page
• Call the Chief Ranger's Office (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm)
  970-529-4622
• Call the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum (7 days a week, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm)
  970-529-4631

When engaging in winter activities follow these safety guidelines to ensure a great experience:

• Bring adequate gear, food and water.
• Sign in at the Trail Register so rangers will know you are out there.
• Stay on marked trails so you do not get lost.
• Do not walk on ski trails
• Please leave your pets at home
• Follow all other park rules and regulations.
• For emergencies, please call 911. For non-emergency situations you may contact the Chief Ranger's Office, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Be aware that cell coverage is very spotty throughout the park.

 

Winter Trails Update

Winter trail condition updates will be provided periodically as trails are groomed or checked. Please see the Winter Trails Condition Report Page for updates.

 

Snowshoes, snow grooming equipment, and other supplies for the winter activities program were partially funded by a generous grant from the National Park Foundation.