Durango , United States

Mesa Verde Immersive Tour

Active

(11 reviews)

8h - 9h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Mesa Verde National Park provides an incredible look into the culture and history of the Southwest and the ancestral Pueblo people who lived in the area. There are over 40+ miles of road and thousands of archaeological sites in this unique park. The Mesa Verde Full Day Tour takes you to some of the lesser known sites at the park as well as the most popular attractions. All tours are limited to small groups to ensure personalized attention and a great experience all provided by your professional interpretive guide. Ranger guided tours of the Cliff Palace and Balcony House are seasonally available 2nd week of May thru 3rd week of October.

Available options

Mesa Verde Immersive Tour

What's included

Complimentary transportation from Durango, Colorado

Bottled water

Water

Snacks

Lunch

Professional Interpretive Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Start the day with a look around the Visitor and Research center at the park's entrance

Stop 2

Enjoy walking among the dwellings on this exclusive Ranger-guided tour of Cliff Palace. Seasonally available 2nd week of May thru 3rd week of October.

Ranger guided tour of the Balcony House Cliff Dwelling. Seasonally available 2nd week of May thru 3rd week of October.

Guided tour of the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Weather in Southwest Colorado can be variable

Bring layers and a rain coat

Sun hats and sunscreen are strongly recommended

Minimum of 4 years of age and above

Meeting point

Meet us at our office in Durango, Colorado. Parking is free and secure!

Important notes

Meet at 8am at our Durango, Colorado office:

643 Camino Del Rio

Durango, CO 81301

Alternative meeting locations are available near the park entrance if you are coming from Cortez, CO or the surrounding area. Please call our office to arrange another meeting location.

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.