Mesa Verde National Park features ancient Native American cliff dwellings atop the high mesas of southwestern Colorado near the town of Cortez. The park has one campground area, Morefield, comprised of 435 campsites. The Morefield camp village offers visitors a café, grocery store, RV services, base camp accommodations, laundry facilities, showers and a gas station. Plenty of activities abound for outdoor enthusiasts, archeology students and natural history buffs.
Hiking
Some of the best scenic hiking is found near the Morefield campground, including the Prater Ridge Trail, Knife Edge Trail and Point Lookout Trail. Chapin Mesa trailheads consist of the Spruce Canyon Trail, Soda Canyon Overlook Trail, Farming Terrace Trail and Petroglyph Point Trail, the only trail that offers views of petroglyphs. Many trails on the Wetherill Mesa lead to archeological sites and include the Long House Trail, the Step House Loop, Nordenskiold Site No. 16 Trail and Badger House Community Trail.
Biking
Fit mountain bikers will enjoy the strenuous workouts offered by the steep roads of Mesa Verde National Park. Biking is permitted only on public roads and parking areas. Mountain biking is not allowed on hiking trails. Large bike groups are prohibited due to narrow roads with no shoulders and poor pavement quality. Mountain biking opportunities outside of the park near the town of Dolores include Goble Loop Trail, Boggy Draw Trail, Bean Canyon Loop, Maverick’s Loop and Italian Canyon Loop.
Cross-Country Skiing
Experience the unique beauty of Mesa Verde National Park during wintertime on cross-country skis. The park offers two designated areas for cross-country skiing: the Cliff Palace Loop and the Morefield Campground Loop roads. Snowfall varies each year, so check on snow conditions before embarking on your ski adventure. Snowshoeing is allowed on cross- country ski routes. The campground, services and some cliff dwellings are closed during the winter months.
Museum and Tours
The Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum features exhibits and programs about the cliff dwellings, artifacts and the cultural significance of the Anasazi civilization, also known as the Ancestral Puebloans. Ranger-guided tours leave daily for Cliff Palace, Balcony House and Long House. Guided tours require advance ticket purchase at the Far View Visitor center. Self-guided tours include Spruce Tree House, Mesa Top Loop Road, Far View Sites Complex, Cedar Tree Tower, Step House and Badger House Trail.
Nature Viewing
Mesa Verde contains a diversity of animal species. Wildlife sightings include shrews, bats, jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, chipmunks, pocket gophers, porcupines, coyotes, weasels, lizards, snakes, salamanders, red foxes, skunks, badgers, deer, elk, bobcats and mountain lions. Bird-watchers will enjoy spotting hawks, turkeys, owls, swifts, hummingbirds, jays, woodpeckers, thrushes and tanagers. Take a plant walk on Knife Edge Trail, Spruce Tree House Trail or Petroglyph Point Trail. The best spots for stargazing are Montezuma Overlook, Mancos Overlook, Morefield Campground and Far View Lodge.
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