Road Trip Denver to Mesa Verde – Ancient Cliff Dwellings

Denver Mesa Verde National Park
620
km
7h
drive
Summer
season

The Itinerary

Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado protects over 5,000 Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites (formerly "Anasazi"), including 600 cliff dwellings. UNESCO since 1978.

Cliff Palace, the world's largest cliff dwelling (150 rooms), is the icon. Balcony House, Long House, Spruce Tree House. Ranger-led tours required to enter some (reservation). En route, stops: Glenwood Springs (hot springs), Black Canyon of the Gunnison (spectacular dark canyon). The Million Dollar Highway (US-550) between Silverton and Ouray is one of the world's most beautiful mountain drives.

Points of Interest

  • ✦
    Cliff Palace
    Plus grande habitation falaise au monde, 150 pièces.
  • ✦
    Balcony House
    Habitation accessible par échelles et tunnel.
  • ✦
    Million Dollar Highway
    Route panoramique Silverton-Ouray.
  • ✦
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison
    Canyon noir 600 m profond, parc national.
Practical info
  • Departure Denver
  • Destination Mesa Verde National Park
  • Distance 620 km
  • Duration 7h
  • Category Very long (500+ km)
  • Best season Summer
Themes
Indigenous unesco park heritage epic Summer canyon

Plan your adventure with our interactive map

Open the map
All road trips