About Mesa Verde Tours
Mesa Verde National Park is one of the most significant archeological sites in the world as it hosts hundreds of massive cliff dwellings and thousands of ancient ruins. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Dark Sky Park, and home to several species found nowhere else on Earth. So, one could say it’s kind of a big deal!
Mesa Verde is unlike any other National Park you’ll visit, in that it is an outdoor museum sprawled across a dramatic landscape. It is perfectly enjoyable to explore on your own, however you’ll forgo the majority of what there is to know about the cliff dwellings and other archeological sites.
Our Mesa Verde Tours allow you to explore the best areas of the park with extremely knowledgeable guides. Our guides provide a wealth of insight on the Ancestral Puebloan culture, how they built the incredible structures looming along the canyon walls, and many other fascinating facts about the region.
More About This Trip
Transit Vans for Mesa Verde Tours
Standard Tours: Accommodates up to 12 guests.
Premium Tours: Experience a more personalized tour with a smaller guide to guest ratio (up to 6 guests).
Trip Options
Mesa Verde Tour options
Mancos, CO
See the best sites in 4 hours!
- Standard: Adult $129 | Youth $109
- Premium: $199
Durango, CO
A full day tour! Includes lunch and tickets for Cliff Palace.
- Standard: Adult $189 | Youth $159
- Premium: $279
Mesa Verde & Durango
Explore Mesa Verde and La Plata Canyon all in one day!
Youth: $227.70
Adult: $273.70
Trip Option Comparison
| Trip | Features | Time from Meet to Return | Additional Cost Per Adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 Day |
|
3h | $129 (Base Price) |
| Discovery Tour |
|
7h | +$60 |
Why Tour Mesa Verde with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- Comfortable, highly maintained, and air conditioned passenger vans
- Park entry fees are included
- Junior ranger program provided for kids under 12
- Cold bottled water
- Tickets for the 1 hour Ranger Guided Walking Tours of Cliff Palace is included on the Discovery Tour
- Deli style lunch and beverages included on the Discovery Tour
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
- Trained on history, culture, development theories, and architecture of the ancestral Puebloans
- Experts in local history, geology, and ecology
- Experienced, trained and professional drivers.
- Certified in CPR & First Aid
Our Commitment
to You
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
- Call for other arrangements!
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).
Cancellation Policy
Receive a full refund with written notice 24 hours or more before the trip.
Trip Change Option
Up to 12 hours prior to departure, trips can be rescheduled for a different day and/or time. The price of this change policy is 5% of the total trip cost. Upgrade only available at time of reservation and must be applied to each seat.
Trip Departure Policy
We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.
Plan Your Trip
National & State Parks
National Monuments
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Best Times to Visit
Museums
What to Expect
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Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 50 Animas View Dr., Durango, CO 81301
- Get Directions
Mesa Verde National Park Tour FAQs
When is the best time for a guided tour of Mesa Verde?
Anytime during our season (March through October) offers a fascinating look at the park’s history!
- Spring (March–May): A peaceful time to visit with cooler temperatures, perfect for exploring the mesa-top ruins and overlooks.
- Summer (June–August): The most popular time to visit. While the desert sun is strong, our climate-controlled vans help maintain your comfort between stops. Our morning departures allow you to explore before the peak afternoon heat.
- Fall (September–October): A beautiful window with mild weather and crisp mountain air, providing excellent visibility across the four-states region from the park’s high points.
When can I go on a Mesa Verde tour?
Our Mesa Verde tours run daily from early spring through late October. We offer Half-Day tours (morning or afternoon), and our all-inclusive Mesa Verde Discovery Tour which includes lunch and an ranger guided tour of Cliff Palace.
What is the minimum age for a Mesa Verde National Park tour?
We welcome adventurers of all ages on our Mesa Verde tours! While there is no strict minimum age, please keep in mind that exploring the cliff dwellings involves uneven stone steps and, on some routes, climbing wooden ladders.
Colorado law requires car seats or boosters for children under 8 years old. Please bring the appropriate car seat or booster for use in our tour vehicles.
What should I wear and bring on my Mesa Verde tour?
Mesa Verde is an outdoor museum, so being prepared for the sun and light walking is key to a great day. We recommend:
- Clothing: Breathable, lightweight layers. Even in summer, a light jacket is useful for the cooler morning air at higher elevations.
- Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers with good traction. No flip-flops or Crocs, as the trails and ladders require secure footing.
- Essentials: A wide-brimmed sun hat, polarized sunglasses, and waterproof sunscreen.
- Gear: A refillable water bottle (we provide water for refills and snacks) and your camera. For those on our Discovery Tour, a small daypack is helpful for carrying personal items during the Ranger-led walks.
Visit our full gear guide here.