Mesa Verde Express Tour With Tickets To Cliff Palace

Durango , United States

Mesa Verde Express Tour With Tickets To Cliff Palace

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(18 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

We got tickets!
Discover Mesa Verde with an Archaeologist Trained Guide & explore Cliff Palace!
Skip the hassle of trying to get tickets and dive straight into an unforgettable journey through one of Colorado’s most iconic landmarks. Our Mesa Verde Express Tour offers a 5-hour adventure door to door through the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Mesa Verde National Park. This experience includes a rare opportunity to explore the legendary Cliff Palace on a ranger-led tour, where you’ll spend 45 minutes up close with the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Discover the incredible ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans, who built and thrived in these structures over 700 years ago.
Throughout your journey, you’ll be accompanied by a highly trained guide, extensively educated by a professional archaeologist. Their in-depth knowledge of Mesa Verde’s history and culture.,

Available options

Mesa Verde Express Tour With Tickets To Cliff Palace

What's included

Bottled water

Cliff Palace Tickets

Detailed itinerary

Itinerary:

Depart our Durango office at 360 South Camino Del Rio Suite #200 Durango, Co 81301 at 9:15 am
Arrive Mesa Verde Visitor Center 10:10 am
10:10 am – 12:45 pm – explore attractions on Chapin Mesa including any combination of the following:
Timing-dependent stop for 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
Explore Cliff Palace up close with one of the ranger lead tours with a National Park Ranger.
Driving tour of selected sites on the Mesa Top Loop to include short walks to Mesa top sites and canyon overlooks for views of the major cliff dwellings in the park including Cliff Palace and “downtown” Mesa Verde
Arrive at Durango at 2:15 pm
Price includes Ranger Lead Tickets to Cliff Palace and Park Entrance Fees. We will have a cooler on board for snacks and lunches you are encouraged to bring.

What's not included

Lunch

Gratuity

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

physically fit

climb 15-30 rung ladders.

MUST CLIMB LADDERS

Limited Space, Do not bring a cooler

This tour designed to leave from Durango and return to Durango.

HEALTH WARNING All tours are appropriate for well-prepared hikers but are strenuous, so please consider your physical health before choosing a tour/hike, especially if you have heart or respiratory problems or other physical difficulties. We suggest wearing sturdy shoes or boots and bring plenty of water. Your safety depends on your good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant attention.

Meeting point

Meet at Durango Rivertrippers location 360 South Camino Del Rio, Suite 200 Durango Co 81301.

About Durango

Durango is a charming city in southwestern Colorado known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Nestled in the Animas Valley and surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, it offers a unique blend of Wild West heritage and modern amenities.

Top Attractions

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

A historic steam train ride through the stunning San Juan Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the past.

Historical/Adventure 5-6 hours (round trip) Moderate to Expensive ($50-$150 depending on class)

Mesa Verde National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.

Historical/Cultural Full day Moderate ($25 per vehicle entry fee, additional fees for guided tours)

Purgatory Resort

A year-round resort offering skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Adventure/Entertainment Half day to full day Moderate to Expensive (varies by activity and season)

Animas Museum

A museum showcasing the history and culture of the Animas Valley and Durango region.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Budget ($5 admission)

Bear Creek Falls

A beautiful waterfall and hiking trail located in the San Juan National Forest.

Nature/Adventure 2-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A hearty stew made with pork, green chiles, potatoes, and spices, often served with tortillas.

Dinner Contains pork, can be made vegetarian

Navajo Tacos

Fried bread topped with ground beef, beans, cheese, lettuce, and other toppings.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Breakfast Burrito

A large flour tortilla filled with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and sometimes meat or green chiles.

Breakfast Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Pecan Pie

A sweet pie made with pecans, sugar, and butter, often served with ice cream or whipped cream.

Dessert Contains nuts, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Skiing and snowboarding Rafting ATV tours Spa and wellness Hot springs Scenic train rides

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, clear skies, and perfect conditions for hiking, biking, and exploring the great outdoors. It's also festival season with events like the Durango Blues Festival.

15-30°C (59-86°F) 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT), UTC-7 (Standard Time), UTC-6 (Daylight Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Durango is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable businesses
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Durango-La Plata County Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from city center

By train

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

By bus

Durango Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

The city operates a public bus system with several routes covering key areas. Buses are reliable and affordable but may have limited schedules outside peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Durango North Durango South Durango East Durango

Day trips

Silverton

30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day

A historic mining town with a charming downtown, scenic views, and a rich history. Accessible by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or by car.

Mancos

35 miles (56 km) • Half day to full day

A charming small town with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Known for its proximity to Mesa Verde National Park.

Ouray

60 miles (97 km) • Full day

A picturesque mountain town known as the 'Switzerland of America' for its stunning scenery and hot springs. Accessible by car via the scenic Million Dollar Highway.