Mesa Verde · January
Mesa Verde in January
January is one of the best times to visit Mesa Verde — about as busy as December, about as busy as February.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 6% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 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
Visitation
Typical January visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
January weather
- Avg high
- 40°F
- Avg low
- 20°F
- Precipitation
- 2.0"
- Sunrise
- 7:26 AM
- Sunset
- 5:20 PM
- Daylight
- 9.9h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, MESA VERDE NP, CO US
What's open
Mesa Verde in January: 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
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 →
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
Context
Mesa Verde crowds across the year
FAQ
Mesa Verde in January
How busy is Mesa Verde in January?
January rates 1/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Mesa Verde National Park — about 6% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 5,270.
What is the weather like at Mesa Verde in January?
In January, Mesa Verde averages a high of 40°F and a low of 20°F, with about 2.0 inches of precipitation.