Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch

Durango , United States

Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch

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(278 reviews)

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

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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 Full Day Discovery 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 the best way to get the most out of a day at Mesa Verde.

Our tour vehicles are comfortable, air conditioned, and come with speakers to help you hear your guide's interp throughout the drive.

*Please note that Cliff Palace tickets sell out quickly, we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance to ensure we have tickets.

Available options

Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch

What's included

Highly Knowledgeable Guide

Bottled water

National Park fees

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

- Skip the long lines

Detailed itinerary

Meet at our Durango Office to shuttle over to Mesa Verde with your guide! The drive is incredibly scenic and takes about 45 minutes while driving past the La Plata Mountains.

Once there, you'll visit the top sites along the mesa before your expedition into Cliff Palace. This portion of the tour lasts about 45 minutes, and includes climbing a narrow staircase and series of ladders to reach the dwellings. The rangers will provide some interpretation, while giving you time to wander beneath the largest cliff dwelling in North America.

Afterwards we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the sites or overlooks, before continuing to more ancient villages and sacred kivas to explore. Expect a lot of information along the way! Our guides offer far more insight and knowledge about the sites than visitors going on their own, as posted information and placards are limited throughout the Park.

After a stop at a spectacular lookout of the Four Corners Region, we'll shuttle back to Durango!

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

49 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

229 reviews

5★

223

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You must bring your own car seats for children who require them. CO Car Seat Law states that children up to 8 years old must be in an appropriate car seat.

Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

Dress in layers. Summer is cool in the morning and hot by the afternoon. Bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves for fall, winter, and spring.

Part of the tour may include climbing 10 ft. ladders made of Tree Trunks. Not all travelers are required to participate in this part but this is required in order to exit Cliff Palace

Meeting point

If you choose this option, please meet us at the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce no later than 9:00 am. Our drive will meet you in the parking lot.

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. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

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.