Group Tour
Group Tour of Mesa Verde
Group Tour
Take a look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo peoples who made Mesa Verde their home for over 700 years, from 600 C.E. to 1300 C.E.! Experience some of the most notable and best-preserved cliff-dwelling ruins in the United States.
When you book this tour you’ll sit back and relax while our experienced, knowledgeable archaeologist-trained guide takes you around the park. With their knowledge, you will be able to ask questions, read literature, and listen to your own tour of the park as we travel from site to site. You get to save gas, time, and entrance fees with our guided tours. All of our vehicles are comfortable with air conditioning for those hot summer months and heated for the winter months.
Why Express Tour?
- Groups are kept smaller to keep a more personable tour
- Ages: Best suited for ages 8+
- Duration: Up to 6 hours (leaving from Durango)
- Recommended for people who enjoy getting out and exploring the area
- Minimum of 2 required
- Start and end at our office with onsite parking
- Depart our Durango office at 360 South Camino Del Rio Suite #200 Durango, Co 81301 at 8:30 am
- Please arrive early to get checked in and use the restrooms if needed
- Arrive at Mesa Verde Visitor Center approximately 45 minutes after we leave our office.
- for the next 4 hours, we will explore attractions on Chapin Mesa including any combination of the following:
- Park Point for a spectacular scenic view of the Four Corners landscape. See Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado in a 360 view
- Close-up exploration of 12th and 13th-century mesa top sites at the Far View Village complex including Coyote Village and the Far View Great House
- Museum area to view Spruce Tree House (3rd largest cliff dwelling in the park) from the Spruce Canyon trail overlooks
- About halfway through the day, we will stop for a full lunch provided by Durango Rivertrippers and supplied by local companies.
- Optional last stop at Far View Terrace for a refreshment break and souvenirs
- Arrive back at our shop in Durango at 2:30 pm


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Private Tour
Private Tour of Mesa Verde
Private Tour
Discover the rich history and captivating landscapes of Mesa Verde National Park on an exclusive private tour that promises an intimate and immersive experience like no other. Nestled in the heart of southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde is renowned for its remarkably preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological treasures that date back over a thousand years.
Our experienced and knowledgeable guides are passionate about Mesa Verde’s history and ecology and are all archeologist-trained. They will provide in-depth insights into the ancestral Pueblo people, their way of life, and the significance of the archaeological sites you’ll explore.
Why a Private Tour?
For starters, we are the only company offering tours with archaeologist-trained guides. Preparation for your guided tour begins long before the tour starts. There are a lot of behind-the-scenes initiatives and activities carried out by the tour guide. Your guide is an archaeologist-trained subject matter expert requiring considerable training, education, research, and content knowledge on multiple topics with the ability to effectively communicate it to the guest. Along with intimate knowledge of the sites and resources, your guide possesses the communication skills, public speaking, and storytelling abilities to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Why Express Tour?
- Ranger assisted Cliff Palace Tickets if available, to go into a cliff dwelling! Call for more details.
- 8:00 am to 3:30 pm allowing for more time in the National Park.
- Flexible start and end times.
- Option to get picked up at your hotel if you are staying in town, or at the Mesa Verde Visitor Center if you are staying near there.
- Customizable tour style. We can cater to recreation and hiking or educational and historical with options in between.


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Express Tour
Express Tour of Mesa Verde
Express Tour
Embark on an unforgettable journey back in time with our Mesa Verde Express Tour with Ranger-Assisted Cliff Palace tickets. Delve into the mysteries of the ancient Ancestral Puebloan culture as you explore the awe-inspiring Cliff Palace, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the United States. With the guidance of our knowledgeable and passionate park rangers, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the people who once called these magnificent cliff dwellings home.
Key Highlights of Our Ranger-Assisted Cliff Palace Tours:
Expert Ranger Guides: Our Guides are not just guides; they are dedicated experts in Mesa Verde’s history, archaeology, and natural environment. Their passion and expertise will bring the past to life as they share fascinating stories and insights throughout the tour.
This tour will focus primarily on Cliff Palace and include hard-to-get ranger-assisted tickets to go into Cliff Palace. Your guide will paint the picture of the immense rich history as you navigate through the park making your way back to Cliff Palace. Mesa Verde National Park covers over 80 square miles and helps protect over 5,000 archaeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace.
Keep in mind this tour is a brief overview of Mesa Verde and the Ancestral Puebloans. If you are looking for a more in-depth and longer tour consider our group tour or our private tour.
Why Express Tour?
- Focusing on Ranger Guided Tickets to go into a cliff dwelling! Call for more details.
- 9:15 am to 2:15 pm allowing for more time in the afternoon.
- Start and end at our office with onsite parking


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About The Cliff Dwellings
The Cliff Dwellings
About the Cliff Dwellings
Cliff Palace
Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Southwest.
Cliff Palace was built by the Ancestral Puebloans (also known as the Anasazi) between 1190 and 1260 AD. It is a multi-story building that once housed over 200 people. The dwelling is located in a natural alcove on the side of a cliff, and it is accessible by a series of ladders and stairways.
Cliff Palace is a complex structure that includes hundreds of rooms, kivas (ceremonial chambers), and towers. The rooms were used for living, sleeping, and storage. The kivas were used for religious ceremonies. The towers were used for lookouts and for defense.
The Ancestral Puebloans abandoned Cliff Palace and other cliff dwellings in the Mesa Verde region around 1300 AD. The reasons for their abandonment are not fully understood, but it is thought that a combination of factors, including drought, overpopulation, and warfare, may have contributed to their decision to leave.
Cliff Palace is a remarkable example of Ancestral Puebloan architecture. It is a testament to their skill and ingenuity. The dwelling is a reminder of the rich culture that once thrived in the Mesa Verde region.


Balcony House
Balcony House is a cliff dwelling located in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. It is a smaller dwelling than Cliff Palace, but it is no less impressive. Balcony House was built by the Ancestral Puebloans (also known as the Anasazi) between 1250 and 1275 AD. It is a multi-story building that once housed about 20 people.
Balcony House is located high up on a cliff face. It is accessible by a series of ladders and stairways. The dwelling is named for a large balcony that juts out from the side of the cliff. The balcony provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Balcony House is a well-preserved example of Ancestral Puebloan architecture. It is a testament to their skill and ingenuity. The dwelling is a reminder of the rich culture that once thrived in the Mesa Verde region.
Balcony House is open to the public for tours. Tours are led by park rangers who provide information about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. Tours are limited, so it is recommended to book in advance.
Long House
Long House is a cliff dwelling located in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. It is one of the largest cliff dwellings in the park, with over 150 rooms and 21 kivas. Long House was built by the Ancestral Puebloans (also known as the Anasazi) between 1200 and 1275 AD.
Long House is located on Wetherill Mesa, which is located on the western edge of Mesa Verde National Park. The dwelling is reached by a 12-mile winding road that leaves the main park road just beyond the Far View Lodge. The road is steep and winding, and vehicles over 25 feet long are not permitted.
Long House is a complex structure that includes several levels of rooms and kivas. The rooms were used for living, sleeping, and storage. The kivas were used for religious ceremonies. The dwelling is also home to a number of features that are not found in other Mesa Verde cliff dwellings, including a formal plaza and a row of upper storage rooms.
Long House is open to the public for tours. Tours are led by park rangers who provide information about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. Tours are limited, so it is recommended to book in advance.
Long House is a popular tourist destination, and it can get crowded during the summer months. It is important to be respectful of the environment and to stay on the trails when visiting the dwelling.


Spruce Tree House
Please note: Spruce Tree House is currently closed for ongoing preservation efforts.
Spruce Tree House is a cliff dwelling located in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. It is the third largest cliff dwelling in the park, with about 130 rooms and 8 kivas. It was built by the Ancestral Puebloans (also known as the Anasazi) between 1211 and 1278 AD.
Spruce Tree House is located in a natural alcove on the side of a cliff. It is accessible by a short walk from the Chapin Mesa Museum. The dwelling is named for a large spruce tree that once grew in front of the dwelling. The tree was cut down in the early 1900s.
Spruce Tree House is a well-preserved example of Ancestral Puebloan architecture. It is a testament to their skill and ingenuity. The dwelling is a reminder of the rich culture that once thrived in the Mesa Verde region.
Spruce Tree House is open to the public for self-guided tours. There are also ranger-led tours available.
Here are some of the things you can see at Spruce Tree House:
- Rooms: The dwelling has about 130 rooms, which were used for living, sleeping, and storage.
- Kivas: The dwelling has 8 kivas, which were used for religious ceremonies.
- Balconies: The dwelling has several balconies, which provided stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Water system: The dwelling had a sophisticated water system, which included a spring, a reservoir, and a system of channels that carried water to the dwelling.
Spruce Tree House is a fascinating place to visit. It is a reminder of the rich culture that once thrived in the Mesa Verde region.
Step House
Please note: Step House is currently closed for the 2023 Season.
Step House is a cliff dwelling located in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. It is a small dwelling, with only about 20 rooms and 2 kivas. It was built by the Ancestral Puebloans (also known as the Anasazi) between 1226 and 1275 AD.
Step House is located high up on a cliff face. It is accessible by a series of ladders and stairways. The dwelling is named for a series of stepped terraces that lead up to the dwelling.
Step House is a well-preserved example of Ancestral Puebloan architecture. It is a testament to their skill and ingenuity. The dwelling is a reminder of the rich culture that once thrived in the Mesa Verde region.
Step House is open to the public for self-guided tours. There are also ranger-led tours available.
Here are some of the things you can see at Step House:
- Rooms: The dwelling has about 20 rooms, which were used for living, sleeping, and storage.
- Kivas: The dwelling has 2 kivas, which were used for religious ceremonies.
- Ladders: The dwelling is accessed by a series of ladders and stairways.
- Terraces: The dwelling is built on a series of stepped terraces.
- Views: The dwelling provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Step House is a fascinating place to visit. It is a reminder of the rich culture that once thrived in the Mesa Verde region.

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About Mesa Verde
History
A brief history of the Ancient Puebloan People
A Brief History
The history of Mesa Verde National Park is a long and fascinating one. The park is home to over 600 ancient cliff dwellings, which were built by the Ancestral Puebloans between 600 and 1300 AD. The cliff dwellings are some of the best preserved in the United States, and they offer a unique glimpse into the lives of these early people.
The Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, were a group of Native Americans who lived in the Four Corners region of the United States. They were skilled farmers and builders, and they created a sophisticated culture that thrived for over 1,000 years.
The Ancestral Puebloans began building cliff dwellings in the Mesa Verde region around 1000 AD. These dwellings were built into the sides of cliffs, and they offered protection from the elements and from enemies. The cliff dwellings were often multi-story buildings, and they could house hundreds of people.
The Ancestral Puebloans abandoned Mesa Verde around 1300 AD. The reasons for their abandonment are not fully understood, but it is thought that a combination of factors, including drought, overpopulation, and warfare, may have contributed to their decision to leave.
Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Southwest.
Here are some of the most popular attractions in Mesa Verde National Park:
- Cliff Palace: Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park. It is a multi-story building that once housed over 200 people.
- Balcony House: Balcony House is a smaller cliff dwelling that is located high up on a cliff face. It is accessible by a series of ladders and stairways.
- Spruce Tree House: Spruce Tree House is a well-preserved cliff dwelling that is located in a secluded area of the park. It is a great place to learn about the Ancestral Puebloan way of life.
- Mesa Top Sites: Mesa Top Sites are a group of Ancestral Puebloan dwellings that are located on the mesa tops. These dwellings are not as well-preserved as the cliff dwellings, but they offer a different perspective on the Ancestral Puebloan way of life.
If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans, we highly recommend visiting Mesa Verde National Park. It is a great place to see some of the most amazing archaeological sites in the United States and to learn about the people who built them.
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Mesa Verde Home





One of the most popular National Parks in the US
Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular national parks in the United States. It is located in southwestern Colorado and is home to over 600 cliff dwellings, which were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people between 600 and 1300 AD. The cliff dwellings are some of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the world and offer a unique glimpse into the lives of these ancient people.
Visit Mesa Verde
Plan your vacation to Mesa Verde National Park to include time for hiking and exploring the ancient cliff dwellings as well as all of the other fun adventures the Four Corners area has to offer.
Plan your vacation to Mesa Verde National Park to include time for hiking and exploring the ancient cliff dwellings as well as all of the other fun adventures the Four Corners area has to offer.
There are a variety of lodging options near Mesa Verde and in the surrounding areas including Cortez and Durango with a variety of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds to choose from.
In addition to visiting Mesa Verde National Park, there are a variety of other things to do in the area, such as hiking, camping, rafting, the Durango & Silverton train, and many other adventures.
Guided Mesa Verde Tours
A guided tour of Mesa Verde is a great way to learn about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. A guide can provide you with insights into the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans that you would not be able to learn on your own and take you to places that are not accessible to the public, such as Cliff Palace and Balcony House.


