Winter Recreational Activities for 2017-2018

Winter in Mesa Verde National Park offers 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.

• Winter Ecology Hikes
  Explore the local winter ecology with these guided hikes and programs.

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.

 

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Mesa Verde National Park Winter Festival

Join us Friday, January 6, 2017 for a special moonlight event! The Morefield Campground winter trails will be open from 6 pm until 10 pm for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Bring your skis or snowshoes and enjoy the trails by moonlight! (Snowshoes will also be available to checkout.) Follow the glow sticks to find complementary hot beverages and a campfire. Enjoy night sky viewing (conditions permitting), and storytelling.

--This event is free and open to all ages.
--Dress for the cold, bring appropriate outdoor gear, and a headlamp or flashlight.
--Morefield Campground is located 4 miles past the park entrance, on the right hand side.
--Parking available at the Morefield Store.
--The event is subject to cancellation due to bad weather.

 

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.

 

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