Mesa Verde National Park Mesa Verde, CO

"This park was great! Much easier to see cliff dwellings close up than other National Park/Monument locations. Many spots were visible within 100 yards of parking."

"It park is AMAZING! The park rangers not so much! They weren't very helpful. They almost didn't seem to want to be there. I asked about the tours, and they said it wasn't the season. Then the next ranger said they had a mild winter, which was why some of the main loops were open. It seems that if they had a mild winter, they could open the tours. I've been to several NP, and most staff like their jobs and are very helpful. That's not the case at this one. I highly recommend this park for the amazing history!"

"The Mesa Verde National Park is a wonderful combination of beautiful terrain and the artifacts of the past societies. We were there in January so parts of the park were closed. But after a long winding drive from the entrance to the back of the park, there were spectacular hikes that had us crawling through boulders and climbing up and down the canyon. We loved seeing the adobe structures but could not tour inside due to the time of the year. It was busy with visitors, but never felt crowded. There were bathrooms, water and even food at the hike site."

"Such a cool National Park! If you’ve at least 2 hours before sunset - do the petroglyph point trail!! It is very cool loop. The hike itself is fun - climbing through rocks. I didn’t find it too hard, but plan for yourself. I’d also recommend downloading the audio guide beforehand and play it as you do the trail. The petroglyphs themselves are interesting. So ancient! There are a couple of loops you can drive - we didn’t have time for those since we prioritized the hike. The roads get icy in winter; so, be careful driving up there!"

"Mesa Verde National Park is an absolute gem! The drive to the top is a scenic journey in itself, with a few lookout points along the way that offer fantastic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Once you reach the top, you're in for a treat. There's a loop that takes you to numerous lookout points, each providing insights into the rich history of the park. It's genuinely fascinating to learn about the ancient civilizations that once called this place home. The historical points you'll encounter are both awe-inspiring and educational. While my visit didn't include a guided tour, I could still appreciate the structures from a distance. However, I do believe that taking one of the guided tours would have enhanced our experience even further, offering a more in-depth understanding of this incredible place. The Sun Temple is a standout spot where you can get up close and personal with history. The fact that no reservations are needed is a plus, and the crowds were surprisingly manageable during my visit, making it easy to soak in the ambiance and history. In summary, Mesa Verde National Park is a must-visit destination. The combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and the opportunity to explore ancient structures makes it an unforgettable experience. Whether you opt for guided tours or explore at your own pace, you're in for a treat!"