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Mesa Verde · August

Mesa Verde in August

August is a busy time to visit Mesa Verde — quieter than July, busier than September.

Expect heavy crowds (8/10), highs near 84°F, about 13.6 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

8/10
Busy

Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.

About 74% of this park's busiest month.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 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

Visitation

Typical August visits vs. the year

August (typical)66,838
Peak — June90,013
Quietest — January5,270

August draws about 14% of Mesa Verde’s yearly visitors.

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

August weather

Avg high
84°F
Avg low
57°F
Precipitation
2.0"
Sunrise
5:30 AM
Sunset
7:05 PM
Daylight
13.6h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, MESA VERDE NP, CO US

What's open

Mesa Verde in August: access

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.

Seasonal closures may apply:

  • 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

Conditions

Current alerts

No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.

Source: NPS Data API

Context

Mesa Verde crowds across the year

January: 1/10 crowdJanFebruary: 1/10 crowdFebMarch: 2/10 crowdMarApril: 3/10 crowdAprMay: 7/10 crowdMayJune: 10/10 crowdJunJuly: 10/10 crowdJulAugust: 8/10 crowd8AugSeptember: 7/10 crowdSepOctober: 6/10 crowdOctNovember: 2/10 crowdNovDecember: 1/10 crowdDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in August

FAQ

Mesa Verde in August

How busy is Mesa Verde in August?

August rates 8/10 for crowds (Busy) at Mesa Verde National Park — about 74% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 66,838.

What is the weather like at Mesa Verde in August?

In August, Mesa Verde averages a high of 84°F and a low of 57°F, with about 2.0 inches of precipitation.

How much does it cost to visit Mesa Verde?

Entrance to Mesa Verde costs $30 (Valid for 7 days.).

When is Mesa Verde least crowded?

Mesa Verde is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.

How many hours of daylight does Mesa Verde get in August?

In mid-August, Mesa Verde gets about 13.6 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:30 AM and sunset around 7:05 PM.