Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is one of the most fascinating and culturally rich destinations in the Southwest. Known for its remarkably preserved cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans, the park offers an unforgettable glimpse into centuries-old architecture and ingenuity. Whether you’re hiking to Cliff Palace or taking a scenic drive to catch views of ancient pit houses, visiting Mesa Verde National Park feels like stepping into a different time.

There’s no bad time to visit Mesa Verde National Park, but avoiding the heat of the summer is a great choice. Spring offers comfortable weather and clear roads, and the guided tours are in full swing for the season ahead. Fall at Mesa Verde National Park is mesmerizing – and even more dramatic and awe-inspiring than usual, thanks to the bright pops of yellow that paint the landscapes at this time of year. As incredible as Mesa Verde National Park is, it’s just one of the many fantastic things to do in Durango, CO, this year.

Durango is full of reasons to stick around a few extra days. Ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for incredible mountain views, explore downtown shops and galleries, or hit the nearby trails for mountain biking or hiking in the San Juan National Forest. In the winter, locals and visitors head to Purgatory Resort for skiing and snowboarding. After a day of outdoor adventure, the city’s craft breweries, laid-back restaurants, and soothing hot springs are the perfect places to relax and recharge.

When it comes to finding a place to stay that feels like a true retreat, Antlers on the Creek Bed and Breakfast is hard to beat. Located just outside of town, this upscale B&B in Durango offers the kind of comfort and hospitality that turns a good trip into a great one. Gourmet breakfasts, thoughtful touches, and peaceful outdoor spaces make it an ideal home base after a day exploring Mesa Verde or downtown Durango. See what our loyal guests already know, and discover why our Durango Bed and Breakfast is a highly sought-after destination. Book your Durango getaway today!

Explore Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression – like so many of our incredible National Parks do! Tucked into the rugged landscape of southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde is home to some of the most impressive archaeological sites in the country—centuries-old cliff dwellings that were once home to the Ancestral Puebloans. The combination of history, natural beauty, and sheer craftsmanship on display makes it a must-see if you’re anywhere near Durango.

Mesa Verde National Park is about 30 minutes from our Bed and Breakfast – a short drive that’s well worth the effort. It’s one of the most compelling historic destinations in the American Southwest, and it’s not just a scenic expanse of canyons and plateaus. Though the views throughout Mesa Verde National Park are impressive, it’s a place where the past feels unusually close. As you walk along the edges of these canyons, you’ll find some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the country, which were built by Ancestral Puebloans over 70 years ago.

The park tells a story of adaptation, migration, and cultural continuity that still resonates with modern Pueblo communities. Spending time here is a reminder of how people have always shaped—and been shaped by—their landscapes. Beyond the archaeological sites, Mesa Verde National Park offers plenty for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is laced with hiking trails that range from short overlooks to longer, more rugged routes that pass petroglyphs and lesser-known excavation sites. Wildlife is plentiful, the skies are vast, and depending on the season, the landscape can shift from golden high-desert scrub to snow-dusted pine.

You won’t find big crowds here like you might at Zion or Yellowstone, which makes the experience feel more personal and unhurried. The ranger-led tours into the cliff dwellings are particularly worthwhile—they’re not only informative, but they allow you to step into spaces otherwise off-limits and gain firsthand insight into the ingenuity and complexity of Ancestral Puebloan life. The best time to visit Mesa Verde is typically from May to October. Here are some highlights you can expect to see as you visit Mesa Verde National Park this year.

Don’t miss the Mesa Verde Museum. Not only does it house a range of fascinating exhibits that help tell the story of this magnificent park, but it was built using the same sandstone that the cliff dwellings were carved out of centuries ago.
Take a ranger-led tour of the Cliff Palace. The tour season begins in May and extends through September. We highly recommend getting reservations for these tours early, as they are limited in size and very popular! These tours are the only way to see cliff dwellings besides Step House.
There are also self-guided tours to various spots in Mesa Verde National Park.
Take a drive along the Mesa Top Loop Road. It’s a self-guided driving route with scenic overlooks and informative stops, and it is a really great way to get a sense of the broader landscape and historical timeline. Cliff Palace Loop Road is a similarly fantastic drive through Mesa Verde National Park.
Consider visiting the Far View Community Sites, an area that was well-established as a farming community.
Take a hike in the park! There are so many fantastic hikes to choose from, but one of our favorites is the Point Lookout Trail. It’s a relatively short two-mile hike leading to the top of Point Lookout, the iconic geological formation towering above the park entrance. From here, you’ll have a spectacular view of the San Juan and La Plata Mountains.
Hike through history on top of the Chapin Mesa as you travel along the Petroglyph Point Trail, which features a large petroglyph panel.
The Spruce Canyon Trail is another great hike in Mesa Verde National Park. It leads hikers through the park’s unique ecosystems.
Mesa Verde National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, which means it’s free of light pollution and an exceptional place to enjoy stargazing. The schedule for this year hasn’t been released yet, but star parties are held throughout the summer.
As you hike or walk throughout Mesa Verde National Park, keep your eyes peeled for various wildlife and birds. The park offers rich diversity!

More Fantastic Things to Do in Durango, CO

Your adventure at Mesa Verde National Park is just the start of great things to do in Durango. This exciting city offers a wonderful mix of outdoor adventure, local culture, and small-town charm. The historic downtown is full of character, with locally owned shops, art galleries, and some excellent places to grab a bite or enjoy a craft beer. The Animas River adds to the fun with trails, rafting, and kayaking right in town.

Durango also serves as a launch point for some unforgettable mountain adventures. Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for sweeping views and a dose of Old West history, or head into the San Juan Mountains for hiking, mountain biking, and off-road excursions. Here are a few of the best things to look forward to during your upcoming Durango getaways.

One of the most iconic things to do in Durango is to ride the awe-inspiring Durango to Silverton Train. It’s a breathtaking trip through the rugged wilderness of Colorado, ending in the historic mining town of Silverton.
Durango is home to some of the best fly fishing in Colorado. There are several local outfitters, but we love working with San Juan Anglers.
Break free from crowds and enjoy hiking through the scenic San Juan Mountains.
Hiking isn’t the only way to explore our mountain paradise! Durango is home to some fantastic mountain biking adventures. Here, you’ll find ample world-class trails that cater to all skill levels, including the Colorado Trail.
On a warm summer day, one of the best things to do in Durango is get out on the water. Join local guides for epic whitewater rafting trips with our friends at Durango River Trippers.
Don’t miss your chance to stroll through Historic Downtown Durango, where vibrant storefronts and local eateries offer a taste of the community’s spirit.
Purgatory Resort isn’t just for skiing in the winter. It’s a year-round playground offering mountain biking, hiking, and alpine slides in the summer.
Get off the beaten path with a guided horseback ride through the rugged backcountry or high mountain trails—it’s an unforgettable way to experience Durango’s backcountry!

This is just the beginning of great things to do in Durango – and your adventure starts the moment you book your getaway. What are you waiting for? Discover the authentic side of this charming town, and book a room at our top-rated Durango Bed and Breakfast today!