Colorado , United States of America

Mesa Verde National Park Half Day Tour

Active

(225 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

It’s no question that locals and past visitors consider Mesa Verde National Park a must-visit. It allows us a rare opportunity to experience preserved North American history before European contact. Joining a Mild to Wild guide ensures guests will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of authentic Southwestern culture.

Our Half Day tour will show off this outdoor museum with plenty of insight into the ancient indigenous culture, the history of the Park, and more. It’s ideal for those who would enjoy a relaxing drive with a few short walks to ancient ruins and overlooks of the cliff dwellings.

*Please note that this trip does not include a tour into Cliff Palace, however we will get to enjoy it from a scenic overlook. If you would like to join the ranger guided tour into Cliff Palace along with our highly knowledgeable guides, please check out our Mesa Verde Discovery Tour.

Available options

Morning Tour

Duration: 4 hours<br/>8:00AM - 12:00PM

Afternoon Tour

Duration: 4 hours<br/>1:00PM - 5:00PM

What's included

Highly Knowledgeable Guide

Bottled water

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Shuttle to/from & around the National Park

Detailed itinerary

Meet at the Chamber of Commerce in beautiful Mancos, Colorado. There you’ll meet your guide and hop on the shuttle to Mesa Verde National Park.

Among the 4,700 known archeological sites in the Park, our guides will take you to the most popular ones in just 4 hours. We’ll explore a number of mesa top villages, sacred kivas, and overlooks to the cliff dwellings. Expect to enjoy a relaxing drive with short walks to the ruins and the overlooks.

*Please note this trip does not include a tour into Cliff Palace, however we will get to enjoy it from a scenic overlook. If you would like to join the ranger guided tour into Cliff Palace along with our highly knowledgeable guides, please check out our Mesa Verde Discovery Tour.

On our way out of the Park, we’ll stop at one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Southwest, where you can see into the four states that make up the four corners region. Time allowing, we may stop at the Visitor Center as well before shuttling back to Mancos.

What's not included

Lunch

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

59 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

166 reviews

5★

160

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Look for the Mild to Wild Van at this meet location! You will leave your vehicle at the Mancos Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center.

Important notes

Look for the Mild to Wild Van at the Manco's Valley Chamber of Commerce meet location & let the driver know the name you reserved your tour under to check in.

About Colorado

Colorado is a state of stunning natural beauty, known for its majestic Rocky Mountains, vibrant cities, and outdoor adventure opportunities. From world-class skiing to hiking through alpine meadows, Colorado offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of travelers.

Top Attractions

Rocky Mountain National Park

This iconic national park offers stunning alpine scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature Full day or overnight Entry fee of $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Denver Art Museum

One of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.

Museum 2-3 hours Free for residents of Colorado, $13 for non-residents

Garden of the Gods

A public park featuring stunning red rock formations and scenic hiking trails. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rocky Mountain Oysters

Deep-fried bull testicles, a local delicacy.

Appetizer Not vegetarian or vegan.

Green Chile

A spicy stew made with pork, green chiles, and potatoes.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Mountain biking Spa treatments Scenic drives Picnicking Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the best time for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and exploring the state's national parks. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for tourism.

15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT) (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Colorado is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates in most areas. However, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in urban areas and when exploring the outdoors.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
• Use reputable tour operators and rental companies.

Getting there

By air

Denver International Airport • 25 miles (40 km) from downtown Denver
Colorado Springs Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from downtown Colorado Springs

By train

Denver Union Station, Durango Station

By bus

Denver Bus Center, Colorado Springs Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

RTD offers a network of buses and light rail services that connect major cities and suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

LoDo (Lower Downtown) Capitol Hill

Day trips

Boulder

30 miles (48 km) from Denver • Half day or full day

Boulder is a vibrant college town known for its outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty.

Garden of the Gods

6 miles (10 km) from downtown Colorado Springs • Half day

A public park featuring stunning red rock formations and scenic hiking trails.

Festivals

Great American Beer Festival • October Telluride Film Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit national parks early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
Pack layers of clothing, as weather conditions can vary significantly depending on the time of day and elevation.
Stay hydrated and be aware of the signs of altitude sickness, especially when traveling to higher elevations.
Use sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from the intense sunlight at high altitudes.
Respect wildlife and their habitats by observing from a safe distance and avoiding feeding or disturbing animals.