Denver to Mesa Verde National Park: The Perfect Weekend Road Trip
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
So, you’re on the hunt for another incredible experience you can do in Colorado? How about Denver to Mesa Verde?!
We love this road trip because it is full to the brim with history and even cooler landscapes. When we first took a road trip to Mesa Verde from Denver along a southwest trip, we wished we had gone sooner. It may not be the most popular national park in Colorado, but because of all the history, it’s definitely worth visiting.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how you can have an incredible experience exploring Mesa Verde.
Why You Should Road Trip from Denver to Mesa Verde
Mesa Verde is unlike any other national park, and that’s why we love it so much. This park gives you an unfiltered view of what life was like for the Puebloans who lived in this area. Plus, the park has literally thousands of archaeological sites to explore.
When you take a road trip from Denver to Mesa Verde, you can experience insane landscapes and diverse outdoor activities that make this place so special. Plus, it’s just the perfect spot for history and nature lovers.
We absolutely loved our trip to Mesa Verde! Check out our video to see our experience.
How to Travel from Denver to Mesa Verde National Park
The best way to get from Denver to Mesa Verde is by car. We love the car option because it allows you to explore where you want when you want.
When we mention Mesa Verde, people always ask: “How far is Mesa Verde from Denver?” And well, the answer is that it’s not that close. It’s not close enough for a day trip, but it’s great for a weekend trip.
The drive is a little bit on the long side. You can expect to cover almost 400 miles, which will take you around seven hours. Plus, there’s nothing like a long road trip through some of Colorado’s most beautiful places!
If you’re not into driving, you can do your research to see if there are any group or guided tours that can take you on this route.
Where to Stay Between Denver and Mesa Verde
We have to admit that Denver and Mesa Verde aren’t super close together. But exploring this place on a short trip or even a long weekend is totally possible (and worth it!).
To break up the drive, you can stay overnight in Durango or Salida! Durango is closer to the park, while Salida is more halfway between each destination. At either stop, you’ll be able to find a place to stay that matches your budget.
Tips for Visiting Mesa Verde National Park from Denver
Let’s dive into some Mesa Verde tips!
Arrive early
We always recommend arriving early at national parks. That way, you can avoid the heat of the day, but most importantly, the crowds.
Most people start heading into the park to explore around late morning or early afternoon. To make the most of the weather and the fewer crowds, we’d plan on getting into the park around 8 or 9 am.
That way you can maximize your time at the park, head to the biggest tourist attractions, and explore without getting in the way of too many crowds.
Check the weather forecast
Before you even leave Denver, make sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time. This national park’s weather can change quite quickly, so we’d recommend bringing a few extra layers and sunscreen and checking the weather before you head out on any hikes or activities.
Make reservations in advance
If you plan on staying overnight in or around the park, we’d recommend booking those well ahead of time.
That way, you can make sure you have a stopping point to stay at if you are planning on breaking the trip up into two days. This tip is especially important if you are visiting during the peak season.
Invest in an America the Beautiful Pass
If you plan on visiting any of the other Colorado national parks after your Mesa Verde adventure, you should look into getting an America the Beautiful Pass.
For $80 a year, this pass allows you to visit as many national parks and even some state parks as you want. It’s a no brainer if you’re chasing national parks!
Be prepared for the elevation
One thing to know about Mesa Verde is that the park has a high elevation! If you’re visiting from Denver and driving to the park from there, you might not be used to that high elevation. Take this slowly and be prepared!
Best Time of Year to do a Denver to Mesa Verde Road Trip
Although beautiful, Colorado summers are HOT. To avoid this warm time of year and still soak up the best parts of the park, we recommend visiting between May and September.
During this time, the temperatures are mild and, honestly, some of the best weather to explore. It’s a great time to get out and explore many of the park’s trails. Keep in mind that this mild season is also the park’s busiest.
The best time to visit for fewer crowds is going to be October to April. The temperatures will be cooler, but there will be more room for you to explore without all the other tourists.
Perfect 3-Day Denver to Mesa Verde Itinerary
It can be overwhelming to plan a trip to take advantage of everything Mesa Verde offers. That’s why we’ve put together a three-day itinerary for exploring the park during your Denver to Mesa Verde drive.
Bookmark this page and return to it when you’re ready to plan your own Mesa Verde adventure.
Day one:
- Stock up on snacks and leave Denver at 8 am
- Stop for lunch and to explore in Pagosa Springs
- Continue the drive to Durango and stop there to explore and stay overnight
Day two:
- Leave the hotel by 8 am to finish the drive to the park
- Spend the day exploring ancient dwellings and hiking some of the park’s most loved trails
- Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park
- Drive back to Durango for the evening and to spend the night
Day three:
- Enjoy an early breakfast in Durango before hitting the road back to Denver
- On your way back, stop to visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
- Return to Denver!
Any road trip through Colorado is going to be incredible. But we think that the trip from Denver to Mesa Verde is nothing short of incredible! It’s a great way to explore both history and nature all in one.
Make sure to bookmark this page to come back to when you are ready to plan your Denver to Mesa Verde road trip!
