Southwestern Colorado is an incomparable destination for fall getaways. This pristine and rugged part of the country is home to some of the most epic natural scenery. Adding vibrant pops of yellow to the landscape only serves to make the views more dramatic and awe-inspiring. Though there are plenty of things to do in Durango in the fall, one of our favorites is spending time at Mesa Verde National Park.
Mesa Verde National Park is a highlight of any trip to Durango, but we love it even more as the weather settles into the crisp, cool patterns of Autumn. Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Over 27 Ancestral Pueblo People and Tribes native to this area lived amongst these cliffs for over 700 years. Not only do these historic dwellings offer a unique glimpse into the history of these ancient civilizations, but these protected lands serve as an International Dark Sky Park and protected habitat for a great diversity of plant and animal species.
Fall at Mesa Verde National Park is special. There are fewer crowds in the area, leaving you more time to enjoy these inspiring places, and the landscape becomes adorned with the season’s vibrant colors. Explore the park’s archaeological sites, take guided tours, and enjoy the breathtaking views from overlooks. It’s a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, and it’s a perfect way to spend a fall day while you’re visiting us at Antlers on the Creek.
Start planning what’s sure to be an unforgettable autumn retreat. Book a room at our Durango, Colorado Bed and Breakfast today!
The Best Things to Do in Mesa Verde National Park
As the crisp, cool, and colorful months of Autumn settle into the area, you’ll find it a lovely time of year to explore all Durango has to offer, including this incredible National Park. To visit the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park, you’ll need a reservation – something much easier to come upon as the summer crowds dwindle. There are limited numbers of these ranger tours offered each day, and the season ends in October – so you’ll want to secure these reservations soon.
The Mesa Verde National Park entrance is about 30 miles west of our Durango Bed and Breakfast, making it an easy place to explore for the day. The highlight of Mesa Verde National Park is the cliff dwellings, but there are plenty more things to see and do at this incredible park. We’ve listed many of the highlights below.
Cliff Dwelling Tours
As mentioned, you’ll need a reservation to see the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park. You can buy them as early as 14 days before your trip, but with such limited numbers of tours offered, you’ll want to ensure you do that as soon as you can. There are three different tour options you can take, and they all provide in-depth historical context for the ancestral dwellings.
The most popular tour at Mesa Verde National Park is Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America. It was built between 1190 and 1280 CE and was home to over 100 people. A series of stone steps and ladders access these remarkably well-preserved structures. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Another popular tour at Mesa Verde National Park is Balcony House. To access this part of the park, you’ll need to be in decent physical shape and up for an adventure, as to reach it, you’ll climb up a steep cliff on ladders before crawling through narrow tunnels and passageways on your hands and feet. The adventure is part of the fun, but the views from the top make the journey entirely worth it. This tour is about an hour long. You can also enjoy views of Balcony House from the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail.
The third cliff-dwelling tour at Mesa Verde National Park takes you to Square Tower House, part of a backcountry tour of the park. Here, you’ll find the tallest structure inside the park, as well as an intact kiva roof, original plaster and paint, and plentiful rock art. It’s an impressive part of the park to visit and much less frequented than other destinations.
More Things to Do at Mesa Verde National Park
- Take a self-guided tour to Spruce Tree House, one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park.
- Take a scenic drive on Mesa Top Loop Road, which offers several scenic overlooks and interpretive sites to explore. It’s a great way to explore the park’s diverse landscapes. Key stops on the road include the Sun Point Overlook, offering views of the canons and cliff dwellings below. We also recommend you drive the Cliff Palace Loop Road. Marvel at Cliff Palace from one of the overlooks
- Take a hike. There are plenty of fantastic trails to take in Mesa Verde National Park, many of which lead through beautiful canyons and to breathtaking vistas of the park and cliff dwellings. We recommend you hike along Petroglyph Point Trail, which takes you to some impressive petroglyphs.
- Don’t miss the Far View Sites Complex. It’s a collection of mesa-top villages and farming sites that offer insight into the agricultural practices and communities of the Ancestral Puebloans that once lived here.
- Visit the Mesa Verde Archaeological Museum, which features a range of exhibits on the history and culture of these Ancestral Puebloans.
- Finally, stick around after dark. Mesa Verde National Park is one of the few protected International Dark Sky Parks in the world and is an awe-inspiring place to gaze up at the dark night sky.
One of the Best Places to Stay in Durango, Colorado
When your adventure at Mesa Verde National Park is over, retreat to the comfortable, tranquil environment provided by our Durango Bed and Breakfast. There’s no doubt in our mind that our quiet, rural Inn is one of the best places to stay in Durango, Colorado. We offer the perfect blend of luxury and comfort, nestled into the scenic San Juan Mountains.
Guests at our Durango Bed and Breakfast will enjoy five welcoming guest rooms. Each guest room is elegantly appointed with king or queen beds and equipped with modern amenities like flat-screen smart TVs, Keurig coffee machines, and lavender-scented bath products, ensuring a comfortable and indulgent stay.
In addition to its luxurious accommodations, a highlight of any stay at our Durango Bed and Breakfast is our daily breakfast. Breakfast is included with every stay at Antlers on the Creek, and the experience tends to be a guest favorite. Our chef loves experimenting in the kitchen and bringing innovative, delicious dishes to our guests each morning. The menu changes frequently and with the seasons and always provides exceptional fuel for whatever adventure your day has in store. In the afternoon, as you wind down from your day, make sure to join us for an equally impressive happy hour!
Beyond these standard amenities, our Durango Bed and Breakfast is situated on quiet acreage outside town. Lightener Creek runs through the property and offers guests a picturesque and serene environment. Soak your tired muscles in our hot tub in the evening, and unwind at one of our patios or seating areas with a glass of wine while taking in the gorgeous mountain scenery surrounding us.
Add to this experience personalized service, welcoming hospitality, and thoughtful extra touches, and it’s easy to see why our Inn is one of the best places to stay in Durango, Colorado. Book your stay today!
