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National Park · CO
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde is quietest in January and February and busiest in July.
For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 27 Pueblos and Tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past. This World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park is home to over a thousand species, including several that live nowhere else on earth.
483K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Mesa Verde
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 27 | Overcast | 85°F | 61°F | 4% |
| Fri 28 | Overcast | 85°F | 64°F | 2% |
| Sat 29 | Drizzle | 82°F | 61°F | 53% |
| Sun 30 | Rain showers | 68°F | 57°F | 53% |
| Mon 31 | Rain showers | 65°F | 55°F | 45% |
| Tue 1 | Overcast | 76°F | 56°F | 27% |
| Wed 2 | Overcast | 75°F | 59°F | 7% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F | 20°F | 2.0" |
| February | 43°F | 23°F | 1.7" |
| March | 51°F | 30°F | 1.4" |
| April | 59°F | 34°F | 1.1" |
| May | 69°F | 43°F | 1.1" |
| June | 81°F | 52°F | 0.5" |
| July | 86°F | 59°F | 1.4" |
| August | 84°F | 57°F | 2.0" |
| September | 76°F | 50°F | 1.8" |
| October | 63°F | 39°F | 1.4" |
| November | 50°F | 29°F | 1.2" |
| December | 40°F | 20°F | 1.5" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, MESA VERDE NP, CO US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $30 — Valid for 7 days.
- Hours
- The park is open daily except for emergency conditions. The Visitor & Research Center and Mesa Verde Museum are open all year but closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Ancestral sites, picnic areas, and trails are open 8 am to sunset. Some park areas including Wetherill Mesa, campground, and other visitor services are closed during winter. Cliff dwelling tours are mid-May through late October. Reservations are required and available 14 days in advance of tour date online at www.recreation.gov.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Road Construction
Far View Sites and Cedar Tree Tower are closed for road improvements. Road work along the first four miles of the park road from the entrance station will begin in early summer. Delays of up to 30 minutes are possible - please check the park map before your visit. Wetherill Mesa Road has compacted gravel for 30 feet; motorcycles should take extra caution on this road.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Fire Restrictions are in Effect
Mesa Verde is in stage 2 fire restrictions. Wood, charcoal, and coal fires of any kind are not permitted including in Morefield Campground. Fireworks are always prohibited. Please see the fire management page for more information.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Mesa Verde questions
When is the best time to visit Mesa Verde?
Mesa Verde is least crowded in January, February, and December. July is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Mesa Verde?
Entrance to Mesa Verde costs $30 (Valid for 7 days.).
When is Mesa Verde busiest?
Mesa Verde is busiest in July, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.