Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center
The visitor centre at the park entrance, where you can buy cliff dwelling tour tickets, see exhibitions, and view a collection of millions of archaeological artefacts.
The energy-efficient building has exhibition halls that explain the relationship between the Puebloan descendants and Mesa Verde. This is the first stop for buying tickets, checking road conditions and picking up a map. There is also a bookshop and restrooms. It takes about an hour more of mountain driving from the visitor centre to Cliff Palace, so allow time in your plans. Park entry is charged per vehicle (about US$30, valid for seven days).
Opening hours
About 08:00–16:30 (varies by season)
Nearby sights
- Park Point Overlook
- Far View Sites Complex
- Spruce Tree House
- Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
- Petroglyph Point Trail
- Cliff Palace
- Mesa Top Loop Road & Sun Temple
- Balcony House