Where is Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, Colorado?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Mesa Verde National Park is located in Colorado, USA. It lies between Durango and Cortez and is situated in the Four Corners region. It is famous for its ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Mesa Verde National Park Location Map, Cortez, Colorado

Top Attractions Inside Mesa Verde National Park

  • Cliff Palace – Largest cliff dwelling in North America, showcasing ancient Pueblo architecture.
  • Spruce Tree House – Well-preserved cliff dwelling accessible via guided tours.
  • Balcony House – Cliff dwelling with ladders and tunnels providing an adventurous exploration experience.
  • Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum – Exhibits on Ancestral Puebloan culture, artifacts, and park history.
  • Long House – Extensive cliff dwelling featuring preserved rooms and kivas.
  • Petroglyphs & Rock Art – Ancient carvings and paintings scattered throughout the park.
  • Scenic Overlooks – Panoramic views of canyons, mesas, and archaeological sites.

Mesa Verde National Park Facts

Official NameMesa Verde National Park
LocationCortez, Montezuma County, Colorado, USA
Latitude & Longitude37.2309° N, 108.4618° W (approx.)
Total Area~52,485 acres (212 km²)
EstablishedJune 29, 1906
FounderPresident Theodore Roosevelt
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service (NPS)
RegionSouthwestern Colorado / Colorado Plateau
AddressMesa Verde National Park, 3999 McPhee Rd, Cortez, CO 81321, USA
Zip Code81321
Area Code970
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneMountain Time (MT) – UTC−7 Standard / UTC−6 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptArchaeology, Ancient Puebloan Cliff Dwellings, Cultural Preservation, Scenic Mesa Landscapes
Sections (Areas)Cliff Palace Area - Spruce Tree House - Balcony House - Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum - Mesa Top Loop Road
Famous AttractionsCliff Palace - Balcony House - Spruce Tree House - Long House - Petroglyphs - Mesa Top Scenic Overlooks
Annual VisitorsApprox. 600,000–700,000
Entry Fee TypePaid Park Entry Required
Ticket Price RangeVehicle Pass: ~$15–$35 per vehicle (varies by duration & type)
Ticket OptionsVehicle Pass - Annual Pass - Guided Cliff Dwelling Tours - Ranger Programs
Best Time to VisitMay–October (mild weather, full access to trails and tours)
Nearby AirportDurango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) – ~55 miles (89 km); Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ) – ~8 miles (13 km)
TransportationCar access via US-160 / McPhee Rd - Park shuttle (seasonal) - Hiking trails within the park
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/meve

Distances from Mesa Verde National Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Cliff Palace – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Spruce Tree House – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Balcony House – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
  • Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Long House – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Far View Sites – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Step House – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Petroglyph Point Trail – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Mesa Top Loop Road – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Needle Rock – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Ute Mountain Tribal Park – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Cortez, CO Downtown – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • McPhee Reservoir – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Hovenweep National Monument – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Durango, CO – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Mancos, CO – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Cortez Airport – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Elk Park – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Spruce Canyon – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Junction Creek Trail – 10 km (6.2 mi)