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 Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Overcast | 56°F | 40°F | 10% |
| Mon 19 | Overcast | 60°F | 44°F | 12% |
| Tue 20 | Rain | 59°F | 44°F | 13% |
| Wed 21 | Heavy drizzle | 55°F | 48°F | 88% |
| Thu 22 | Rain showers | 55°F | 48°F | 98% |
| Fri 23 | Light drizzle | 52°F | 41°F | 90% |
| Sat 24 | Clear | 56°F | 39°F | 14% |
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
Road work will begin on the first four miles of the Main Park Road during the week of September 20 - 26. Expect delays up to 15 minutes. Far View Sites and Cedar Tree Tower are closed for road improvements. Wetherill Mesa Road has compacted gravel for 30 feet; motorcycles should take extra caution on this road.
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.
How crowded is Mesa Verde during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Mesa Verde. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.