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5 hours
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Discover Mesa Verde with an Archaeologist Trained Guide & explore Cliff Palace!
Skip the hassle of trying to get tickets and dive straight into an unforgettable journey through one of Colorado’s most iconic landmarks. Our Mesa Verde Express Tour offers a 5-hour adventure door to door through the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Mesa Verde National Park. This experience includes a rare opportunity to explore the legendary Cliff Palace on a ranger-led tour, where you’ll spend 45 minutes up close with the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Discover the incredible ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans, who built and thrived in these structures over 700 years ago.
Throughout your journey, you’ll be accompanied by a highly trained guide, extensively educated by a professional archaeologist. Their in-depth knowledge of Mesa Verde’s history and culture.,
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
physically fit
climb 15-30 rung ladders.
MUST CLIMB LADDERS
Limited Space, Do not bring a cooler
This tour designed to leave from Durango and return to Durango.
HEALTH WARNING All tours are appropriate for well-prepared hikers but are strenuous, so please consider your physical health before choosing a tour/hike, especially if you have heart or respiratory problems or other physical difficulties. We suggest wearing sturdy shoes or boots and bring plenty of water. Your safety depends on your good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant attention.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Bottled water
Cliff Palace Tickets
Lunch
Gratuity
Mesa Verde National Park
Itinerary: Depart our Durango office at 360 South Camino Del Rio Suite #200 Durango, Co 81301 at 9:15 am Arrive Mesa Verde Visitor Center 10:10 am 10:10 am – 12:45 pm – explore attractions on Chapin Mesa including any combination of the following: Timing-dependent stop for close-up exploration of 12th and 13th-century mesa top sites at the Far View Village complex including Coyote Village and the Far View Great House Explore Cliff Palace up close with one of the ranger lead tours with a National Park Ranger. Driving tour of selected sites on the Mesa Top Loop to include short walks to Mesa top sites and canyon overlooks for views of the major cliff dwellings in the park including Cliff Palace and “downtown” Mesa Verde Arrive at Durango at 2:15 pm Price includes Ranger Lead Tickets to Cliff Palace and Park Entrance Fees. We will have a cooler on board for snacks and lunches you are encouraged to bring.
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Laurie M,
Jun 25, 2025
- Viator
Great tour and tour guide. Wonderful experience at Cliff Palace, very doable even though they provide a lot of cautions.
Kristine G,
Oct 8, 2024
- Viator
Molly was great, fun and informative. Everything went off without a hitch. We learned a lot about the area and about the site.
Marita L,
Oct 5, 2024
- Viator
Very good park ranger tour. The walk and climbing up and down the ladders to and from the cliff dwellings is an experience not to miss.
Susan E,
Oct 4, 2024
- Viator
The tour guide was great. Location amazing. Our driver/guide went out of his way to be informative on areas we visited.
Kathy M,
Jul 23, 2024
- Viator
Seeing how these people lived!! Was a little tiring climbing through the ruins, but well worth it!! Beautiful views on the way up, very high!!!
Operated by Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours