Size: 52,485 Acres
Year Established: 1906
Annual Visitors: 548,000
Firearms Information in Mesa Verde National Park
On February 22, 2010, a law about having guns in U.S. national parks went into effect. This law allows you to bring firearms with you into Mesa Verde National Park, however, you must follow all federal, state, and local gun laws when bringing guns into the park.
Some of these rules are that you can’t shoot your gun inside the park and that you can’t have guns in some park buildings. At the entrances to places where weapons aren’t allowed, there are signs that say so.
Hunting in Mesa Verde National Park
In accordance with park policy, hunting is not permitted.
Additional Information About Mesa Verde National Park
The Spanish word for “green table” describes this forested area perfectly. The environment is forested with juniper and other trees. The Anasazi, a Puebloan people, once lived in this area, but they abandoned it somewhere between 600 and 1300 CF because of a terrible drought.
While searching for their missing livestock in 1888, the Wetherill brothers came across the crumbling ruins of a once-thriving Anasazi community, comprised of 600 precariously perched cliff dwellings.
One of these structures is an 86-foot tower with 80 rooms. When compared, the Cliff Palace’s 151 rooms and 23 kivas stand out (circular religious chambers).
The park is home to almost 5,000 archaeological sites, including these extraordinary dwellings. Theodore Roosevelt established Mesa Verde National Park as the first such official protection for an archaeological site in the world.
Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park
The best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is between the months of June to September.
Visitor Fees
Winter Fees
Winter is from November to April
$10.00 per Person for up to 7 days
$20.00 per Vehicle for up to 7 days
$15.00 per Motorcycle for up to 7 days
Summer Fees
Summer is from May to October
$15.00 per Person for up to 7 days
$30.00 per Vehicle for up to 7 days
$25.00 per Motorcycle for up to 7 days
Annual Fee
$55.00 for Mesa Verde Annual Pass
Interesting in visiting multiple National Parks this year?
Consider the America The Beautiful Annual Park Pass.
This annual park pass to gets you and some friends into all U.S. National Parks for $80.
They also offer Senior, Military, and other discounts.
Visitor Centers
Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center
Address
35853 Rd H.5,
Mancos, CO 81328
Phone Number
(970) 529-4465
Hours of Operation
March 21 to October 22 | Daily 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
October 23 to December 31 | Daily 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.
Mesa Verde Museum Association Bookstore
Address
Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum,
Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330
Hours of Operation
March 21 to October 22 | Daily 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
October 23 to December 31 | Daily 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.