Mesa Verde National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

When visitors first enter the park, they can take a quick photo at the entrance sign to commemorate their visit.(5 min)

The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is full of artifacts, artwork, and displays for visitors to enjoy. You can also have a chat with the rangers or grab a map to plan your trip easily.(30 min)

If you don't purchase your entrance pass prior to entering the park, this is where you'll purchase it.(pass by)

This first roadside overlook offers beautiful views of the Mancos Valley.(5 min)

The Morefield Area, besides being home to the park's only gas station, hosts the Ranger Station, Campground, and several well-loved trails for visitors to explore.(pass by)

The Prater Ridge Trail crosses the Prater Ridge between Parater and Morefield Canyons. offers two hiking loops: the North Loop, spanning 3.6 miles (5.7 km), and the shorter South Loop, covering 2.4 miles (3.9 km). Hiking both loops completes the entire Prater Ridge Trail, totaling 7.8 miles (12.6 km).(pass by)

This historic Trail follows the historic route of the Knife Edge Road and offers beautiful views of Montezuma Valley. This relatively level trail clocks in at around 2 miles or 3.4 km.(1 hr)

Ascending steep switchbacks on the west side of Point Lookout, the 2.2-mile (3.5 km) roundtrip trail offers hikers magnificent views of the historic entrance road and mesa.(2 hr)

The Montezuma Valley Overlook showcases the valley, Cortez, and is also a great place to watch the sunset.(5 min)

This short, paved walk leads to the highest elevation point in the park, and includes several overlooks, informational signs, and to the park fire watchtower.(15 min)

A short walk leads to an overlook and wayside exhibits, sheding insights into the area's geology(5 min)

This easy, .8 mile (1.3 km)hike includes several Ancestral Puebloan sites, such asFar View Terrace, Far View Reservoir, the Pipe Shrine House, and the Far View Tower.(45 min)

Cedar Tree House is an Ancestral Puebloan Tower Kiva complex just a few steps from the parking lot. The Farming Terrace Trail is a short, easy 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) that showcases some ancient farming terraces.(30 min)

The Spruce Canyon Trail is a moderately difficult 2.4 miles (3.9 km) point to point trail, starting and ending at the Chapin Mesa Museum. It's one of the park's best trails for wildlife-watching, particularly birding.(pass by)

An absolute must-do trail, this The 2.4-mile (3.9 km) loop trail is moderately difficult and rock, with some mild scrambling at one end. It's more than wort it however, as hikers are rewarded with not only a stunning petroglyph panel, but also the remnants of an Ancestral Puebloan dwelling, and beautiful views of Spruce Canyon throughout.(pass by)

The Ancestral Puebloan Spruce Tree House is currently off-limits to in-site visitation due to structural instability, but visitors can still get a great view of the site from the balcony behind the museum. Extra-lucky visitors may also be able to catch a ranger program about the site. Check the museum for details.(5 min)

The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum is an essential stop for all park visitors. There, visitors can enjoy a film on the history of the park, several exhibits, and get information on ranger talks and tours.(30 min)

If you aren't planning on packing a picnic lunch, consider stopping by the Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe for a quick snack or a hot meal.(30 min)

The first stop on the Mesa Top Loop Road, an Ancestral Puebloan Pithouse built around 55o C.E.(5 min)

This roadside viewpoint offers stunning views of the Navajo Canyon and the Echo Cliff House.(5 min)