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Hiking Information
Hikers are advised to carry water with them on all trails during the summer months. Please stay away from cliff edges as undercut overhangs are dangerous. Trails can be muddy and slippery after summer rains. Proper footwear (hiking boots or sturdy tennis shoes) are recommended. Visitors with cardiac or respiratory conditions should be warned that all trails, except the Soda Canyon Trail, are strenuous, generally with steep elevation changes.
Regulations governing the use of Mesa Verde National Park permit hiking only around developed areas on the trails listed below. Visitors found hiking off developed areas or designated trails, or entering cliff dwellings when not accompanied by a uniformed National Park Service Employee, are subject to penalties provided for in Title 36 of Code of Federal Regulations (maximum fine of $500.00 and 6 months imprisonment). These regulations are necessary to protect the fragile and irreplaceable archeological sites and artifacts, for which Mesa Verde National Park was established.
Hikers are required to register in advance at the Chief Park Ranger's Office for Trails on Chapin Mesa, which are: Petroglyph Point Trail and Spruce Canyon Trail. No permit is needed for Soda Canyon Overlook Trail.
| Trail | Length | Description |
| Petroglyph Point | 2.8 mi | Beginning at the Spruce Tree House trailhead, this 3-mile loop takes you to a large petroglyph panel. Along the way, the Petroglyph Point trail guidebook points out geologic processes, common plants (Douglas fir, Mormon tea, serviceberry, prickly pear cactus, and broadleaf yucca) and their uses, as well as wildlife habitat and natural history. The trail ends near the museum. |
| Spruce Canyon | 2.1 mi | The trail winds down, through, and back up Spruce Canyon. This is the only trail in the park where you can walk in a canyon. From the canyon bottom, it is clear why this area is named Mesa Verde (Spanish for green table). Throughout summer and winter, this area stays cool and green. It is also a good place to look for the rare Abert's squirrel. Be aware that going into this steep walled canyon at Mesa Verde means a 560ft elevation change - not a simple task when starting from 7000ft elevation. |
| Soda Canyon Overlook | 1.5 mi | Begin at a parking area on the Cliff Place Loop Road, past the Balcony House and other archeological sites along Soda Canyon. This trail going through big sagebrush, Utah juniper, yucca and gambel oak provides the only view of Balcony House available without taking a ticketed tour. This is a fairly low-growing, open area and will be hot in the summer sun. |
| Trail | Length | Description |
| Prater Ridge | 7.8 mi | Because of safety concerns due to this trail being burned over in the Bircher Fire in the summer of 2000, Prater Ridge Trail is closed until further notice. Begins and terminates on the west end of the Morefield Campground. This trail ascends the east side of Prater Ridge and follows a loop around the top of the ridge, returning via the same route. A cut-off trail may be taken which shortens the trail to 3 miles. Changes in elevation and vegetation types, along with views of the surrounding country can be seen. |
| Knife Edge | 1.5 mi | Because of safety concerns due to this trail being burned over in the Bircher Fire in the summer of 2000, Knife Edge Trail is closed until further notice. Follow the old road alignment from the northwest corner of Morefield Campground toward the Montezuma Valley Overlook. This trail provides good views of the Montezuma Valley, and is an excellent place to watch sunsets. |
| Point Lookout | 2.3 mi | Trail switchbacks up the back side of Point Lookout and follows the top of the Mesa. The trail provides excellent views of both Montezuma and Mancos valleys, as well as the surrounding countryside. |
No permit is required for the Trails in Morefield Campground which are: Prater Ridge Trail, Knife Edge Trail, Point Lookout Trail. Trailhead access by vehicle in spring, summer and fall. In winter, access by snowshoeing or cross country skiing.
| Trail | Length | Description |
| Farming Terrace Trail | 0.75 mile | Starting and finishing on the spur road to Cedar Tree Tower, this loop leads to a series of prehistoric check dams built by the Ancestral Puebloans as farming terraces. This trail is a good place to look for lizards, hummingbirds, and a wide variety of plants. |
| Far View Archeological Sites | 0.50 mile | Located along the Main Park Road, this 1/2-mile, level trail leads to 6 different mesa top sites. Animal tracks are particularly plentiful here in the winter. This area is open all year, weather permitting. |
| Wetherill Mesa Nordenskiold Site No.16 |
2 mile | Open Memorial Day to Labor Day; Ruin No.16 Overlook offers a leisurely stroll on the quietest trail in Mesa Verde. The booklet, available at the trailhead, provides a wealth of information about native plants and their historic uses. The Pony Fire in 2000 severely burned this area. Until it can be made safe again for visitors, this trail is closed. |
Biking
Bicycle riders must comply with all traffic regulations.
Bicycles may be ridden only on established public roads and parking areas.
Each bicycle must exhibit a white light on the front visible for 500 feet and a red light or red reflector on the rear visible for 50 feet or 300 feet during periods of low visibility and in the tunnel.
Bicycles must be ridden as far to the right of the roadway as possible.
At no time may a bicycle rider be attached to or towed by a motor vehicle.
No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
Bicycles are not allowed on the Wetherill Mesa road or on any trails.
Due to the steep nature of the road, lack of shoulders and poor conditions of the pavement, organized bicycle groups are prohibited.
Crosscountry Ski & Snowshoe Guide
Winter activities such as skiing and snowshoeing at Mesa Verde can be a very peaceful experience. Many times you may be the only person around. Because most of the trees are bare, wildlife is more visible in the winter. You may even be able to track them by following their footprints in the snow.
In recent years, there has not been enough snow to ski or snowshoe except for a few days during the winter after a heavy snowfall. Because of Colorado's dry climate and sunshine, the snow melts quickly after a snow storm has passed. Please call 970-529-4461 for current park road and skiing/snowshoeing conditions.
If you are fortunate enough to be able to ski or snowshoe in Mesa Verde National Park, you will not be disappointed. Two park roads listed below are designated for cross country skiing and snowshoeing when snow permits. Skiing or snowshoeing in the backcountry of Mesa Verde National Park or other park roads is not permitted.
| Trail | Length | Description |
| Cliff Palace Loop Road | 6 mile loop | Relatively flat, no avalanche danger. Located off the Mesa Top Loop Road, the Cliff Palace Loop Road is closed to vehicles after the first snowfall. It reopens in the spring once all snow is melted. Skiers and snowshoers can park at the closed gate. One mile from the closed gate is the overlook to Cliff Palace. Along the road are also numerous overlooks with scenic views to other cliff dwellings which can make for a full-day adventure. |
| Morefield Campground Loop Roads | depends on route | Relatively flat, no avalance danger. The park campground is closed from the end of October until late April. The road to the campground is closed to vehicles. Skiers and snowshoers can park at the closed gate. |
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This site is in no way associated with the United States Government, the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service
