Full-Day Mesa Verde Excursion with Cliff Palace Visit and Lunch

Overview

This full-day excursion from Durango takes you to explore Mesa Verde National Park, a site preserving North American history prior to European contact. Accompanied by a specialised guide and driver, you will discover this open-air museum through a narrated tour focusing on indigenous culture and the park's history. The programme includes round-trip transport and shuttle transfers within the park. You will receive the park entry pass and a guided tour of Cliff Palace led by Park Rangers. Lunch and local drinks are also provided to complete the day. The journey takes place in air-conditioned vehicles equipped with speakers to ensure the guide's explanations are clearly heard. Due to high demand, it is recommended to book Cliff Palace tickets at least two weeks in advance.

Itinerary

1. Mesa Verde National Park

   Meet at our Durango Office to shuttle over to Mesa Verde with your guide! The drive is incredibly scenic and takes about 45 minutes while driving past the La Plata Mountains. Once there, you'll visit the top sites along the mesa before your expedition into Cliff Palace. This portion of the tour lasts about 45 minutes, and includes climbing a narrow staircase and series of ladders to reach the dwellings. The rangers will provide some interpretation, while giving you time to wander beneath the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Afterwards we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the sites or overlooks, before continuing to more ancient villages and sacred kivas to explore. Expect a lot of information along the way! Our guides offer far more insight and knowledge about the sites than visitors going on their own, as posted information and placards are limited throughout the Park. After a stop at a spectacular lookout of the Four Corners Region, we'll shuttle back to Durango!

   · 6 h

How to use your ticket

Look for the Mild to Wild Van at the Manco's Valley Chamber of Commerce meet location & let the driver know the name you reserved your tour under to check in. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Suitable for all fitness levels.
• Parents must provide their own child car seats; under Colorado law, they are mandatory for children under 8 years old.
• Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and water are recommended.
• Dress in layers: summers are cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon; a warm coat, hat, and gloves are needed in autumn, winter, and spring.
• Part of the tour may involve climbing 10 ft (3 m) log ladders; this is necessary to exit Cliff Palace, although overall participation is optional.
• The activity can accommodate a maximum of 29 travellers.
• Confirmation is received immediately upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• The activity may be cancelled if there are insufficient participants.

Who is it for?

• Travellers interested in North American indigenous history and cultures
• People able to climb 10 ft (3 m) ladders to access Cliff Palace
• Groups or families (up to 29 people)

What makes it different

• Includes park entry pass and a Ranger-led guided tour of Cliff Palace
• Lunch and local drinks included in the package
• Full transport provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with an audio system

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 22803P3

Activity offered by Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours via Viator.