Itinerary · 2 days · Colorado
2 Days in Mesa Verde National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Mesa Verde National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Closest major airport: Durango (DRO), about 1.25 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Take the ranger-guided Cliff Palace tour. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Climb the ladders on the Balcony House tour.
- Evening: Drive the Mesa Top Loop.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: See Spruce Tree House from the overlook.
- Afternoon: Hike Petroglyph Point Trail.
Book ranger-guided tour tickets as soon as they open; they're the heart of the visit.
When to go
The best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is May–June and September–October.
Best time to visit Mesa Verde, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Mesa Verde National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: take the ranger-guided cliff palace tour and climb the ladders on the balcony house tour on day one, then see spruce tree house from the overlook on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Mesa Verde itinerary?
Go in May–Jun, Sep–Oct, when the park is rated at its best. October offers the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Mesa Verde in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss see spruce tree house from the overlook. Two days is the sweet spot.