This article is all about visiting Mesa Verde National Park with kids–from booking tours to where to stay! When I was a teenager I visited Mesa Verde National Park with my family. I don’t remember a whole lot about that trip, but I do remember being in awe as we walked around the cliff dwellings. I knew that I wanted my kids to experience that sense of awe themselves on our recent summer road trip.
all about Mesa Verde National Park
Located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde is a remote park that is not to be missed. It’s famous for cliff dwellings created by the Ancestral Pueblo people over 700 years ago. Walking around these homes feels like you’ve traveled back in time. You can really picture families living, cooking, and fellowshipping in these somewhat concealed dwellings in the sandstone cliffs.
Mesa Verde became a national park way back in 1906. It was one of the first ones set up to protect cultural heritage instead of just the natural scenery, which is pretty cool. Today it is one of 23 World Heritage Sites in the United States.
The elevation of the park ranges from about 6,000 to over 8,500 feet. Due to that elevation, the climate can be a bit unpredictable. Summers are warm and dry with cooler evenings—perfect for exploring. Winters bring snow and chilly temperatures. Whether you’re hiking, touring a cliff dwelling, or just enjoying the 360 degree views, Mesa Verde’s unique mix of history, weather, and topography makes it unforgettable.
Mesa Verde National Park with kids
As always, picking up a Junior Ranger book is a must when visiting Mesa Verde National Park with kids! In addition, there are several ancestorial dwellings that you can see just from a short walk from your car, and I also recommend booking a cliff dwelling tour and going on a short hike or two.
booking a cliff dwelling tour at Mesa Verde
There are several types of historic structures and dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park. One of the most popular–and definitely not something to miss when visiting Mesa Verde National Park with kids–are the cliff dwellings. However, you must prepare and I don’t want you to be disappointed and miss out! To enter the cliff dwellings (except for Step House on Wetherill Mesa) you must have a reservation on a ranger-led tour.
If you’re visiting Mesa Verde National Park with kids I would definitely recommend the Cliff Palace tour. This one is less strenuous and “adventurous” than the also popular Balcony House Tour. Although I was a little nervous about the definition of the tour online, and the ranger’s description of what we should expect during the briefing, it was totally doable for my family of nine–including two children age five and under. You can find all tour information–including backcountry tours that are offered–online at nps.gov.
best family-friendly hikes in Mesa Verde
Soda Canyon Overlook Trail is a great hike for families that we, unfortunately, did not a get a chance to do on this trip. However, be sure to make a note of it because it’s worth it! At only 1.2 miles roundtrip this is your chance to see the Balcony House Cliff Dwelling without a ranger-led tour. This trail is very exposed so be prepared for sun exposure!
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There are a couple of easy “hikes” that are more like strolls. These are short walks from your car so you can view a cliff dwelling from afar. Square Tower House is located along the Mesa Top Loop drive and is only about .25 mile roundtrip from your car. This cliff dwelling is the best preserved and tallest standing ancient structure in the park. The roundtrip to Spruce Tree House Overlook is roughly .50 mile roundtrip from the Mesa Verde Museum. This is another fairly easy walk, although there is a bit of a grade on the trail.
earn your Junior Ranger badge at Mesa Verde National Park
Remember–Junior Ranger badges aren’t just for kids! It is always great to pick up the Junior Ranger booklet first thing so that your kids can work on it as you drive around or while you’re sitting and having lunch.
where to stay near Mesa Verde
We stayed at the Mesa Verde RV Resort. This campground is basically across the street from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park. Not only was the location perfect, but this small campground is well kept up and has plenty of shady spots.
Your kids will love cooling off in the pool or relaxing in the hot tub after a day hiking around the park. Plus, there’s a small playground, dog walk area, and guest laundry on-site. We would definitely stay here again and recommend it as a great campground for RV or tent campers!
Have you ever been to Mesa Verde National Park?
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