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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.
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kelly B,
Jul 25, 2025
- Viator
We loved the Mesa Verde Express tour with Ann! She was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the history come alive. The tour was well-paced, hit all the highlights, and left us wanting to learn more. Highly recommend!
Linda P,
Jul 4, 2025
- Viator
Jeremy was an awesome tour guide who went out of his way to make our experience enjoyable!! He made an extra stop a a wonderful lookout, gave us a real sense of the history of the ancestral Pueblo people,and the area, and even gave us several excellent restaurant and Durango sightseeing opportunities!! Can’t say enough god things about the entire experience!!! He was awesome!!
Rebecca G,
Jul 3, 2025
- Viator
Molly, our tour guide, was incredibly informative. She went above and beyond in providing history and stories about mess verde and the area. She is incredibly knowledgeable. Perfect personality and fit for a tour guide. Also, she engaged with the whole group.
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.
Operated by Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours