Due to elevation and the nature of the cliff dwellings, many of Mesa Verde’s premier sites are difficult to access. Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House are strenuous and include ladders, uneven steps, and elevation changes. However, many cliff dwellings and mesa top sites are visible from overlooks, short paved trails, and from your vehicle.
A bench with a view of Spruce Tree House, Mesa Verde National Park / Rebecca Latson
This is not a comprehensive description of all accessible facilities or sites in the park; for more information, click here.
Far View Visitor and Research Center
Designated parking, restrooms, ramps, pay phones, exhibits, an ATM, and a drinking fountain. Open year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
The Lodge has seven ADA-compliant rooms. There are no stairs in any of the Lodge Room buildings, a ramp from the parking lot to the Lodge entrance, and an elevator in the Lodge lobby for access to the upstairs lodge and the downstairs recreation room. Devices available upon request to attach to room phones to flash with incoming calls. Open late April to late October. 8040ft
Mesa Verde Museum (aka Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum)
Designated parking, restrooms, ramps, pay phones, exhibits, and a drinking fountain. Museum services include a 25-minute orientation video, a portable ramp to access exhibit rooms, and wheelchairs available for loan.
Spruce Tree House and Spruce Tree House Overlook (self-guided)
There are no ladders or steps on this paved trail that descends 100 feet (30 m) with steep grades. Four benches are available for the strenuous return trip. This cliff dwelling can be viewed from a covered patio behind the Chief Ranger’s Office, adjacent to the museum.
Mesa Top and Cliff Palace Loop Roads
Designated parking, restrooms, and paved trails along each 6-mile (10 km) loop road. Binoculars are helpful for cross-canyon views of cliff dwellings, including Cliff Palace and Square Tower House.
Cliff Palace Overlook
The Cliff Palace Overlook is accessed by a paved trail and one flight of stairs. Cliff Palace can also be viewed from an accessible paved overlook at Sun Temple on the Mesa Top Loop.
Far View Sites
Designated parking and a restroom. The 0.75-mile (1.2 km) unpaved, level trail leads to six archeological sites. Portable toilets are available during the summer.
Wetherill Mesa
Designated parking, restrooms, and picnic tables. Many sites are accessible with assistance by paved and/or graveled trails. All Wetherill Mesa trails pass through areas that burned in the 2000 Pony Fire, where there is no shade. Be prepared for sun and weather exposure.
The trail down to Step House on Wetherill Mesa, Mesa Verde National Park / Rebecca Latson
