Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.visitmesaverde.com
;
adult/child $35/17.50)
run various organized tours for walkers as well as
small-group bus tours.
HIKING
Wetherill Mesa Experience
(per person $18; departs 9:45am late May-early Sep; )
Limited to 14 people, this five-hour
ranger-led walking tour departs from the Wetherill Mesa Kiosk - catch the free
tram
(oper-
ates 9:20am to 3:30pm, every half hour) from the kiosk. Binoculars are recommended for
walkers as the trail has superb views across the canyon to multiple cliff dwellings.
Spring House Hiking Tour
(per person $40; departs 8am May 26-Jun 5, Sep 1-Oct 6)
If you're really fit and equipped with
hiking boots, sun protection and adequate water, you'll enjoy this premium experience.
Rangers lead these 6-mile interpretive hiking tours that take eight hours and involve
strenuous climbs and descents, and rough trails. Remote sites such as Buzzard House and
Teakettle House are part of the itinerary.
HIKING
Festivals & Events
12 Hours of Mesa Verde
(
www.12hoursofmesaverde.com
;
per rider $80; May)
This annual 12-hour relay-endurance
mountain-bike event is popular. Teams race against each other over an incredible network
of trails across the national park. There's also a kids' ride. All proceeds raised go to the
Montezuma County Partners - a mentoring program for youth at risk.
SPORTS
Sleeping
There are plenty of accommodation options in nearby Cortez and Mancos, and Mesa
Verde can be easily visited as a day trip from Durango (36 miles to the east). Within the
national park, visitors can stay in luxury at the lodge, or rough it camping. An overnight
stay in the park allows convenient access to the many sites during the best viewing hours,
participation in evening programs and the sheer pleasure of watching the sun set over
Sleeping Ute Mountain from the tranquillity of the mesa top.
Morefield Campground
CAMPGROUND
$
