2 Days
Land of Ancients: Mesa Verde National Park
A land full of history — from ancient times to the Wild West — Mesa Verde is packed with stories waiting to be told amid spectacular Southwest scenery.
Sustainability Activity
How to Give Back to These Special Places
Find out more about Mesa Verde National Park’s Volunteer in the Park Program.
Day 1
activity
Balcony House at Mesa Verde National Park
With 40 rooms, Balcony House is considered a medium size cliff dwelling. Only 10 sites in the park have more. Evidence of how room and passageway construction…
lunch
Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe
Patio Dining at its best! Stop at Spruce Tree Terrace Café, located in the heart of Mesa Verde National Park, for favorite American classics and Southwest…
activity
Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
The museum displays dioramas illustrating Ancestral Puebloan life. There are also many exhibits of prehistoric artifacts, a chronology of Ancestral…
dinner
Metate Room
Mesa Verde Metate Room Restaurant received "Award of Culinary Excellence" from the American Culinary Federation Colorado Chefs Association in the area…
activity
Cortez Cultural Center
Programs will include Native American music and flute-playing, art, and other opportunities for in-depth appreciation of Southwestern cultures.
lodging
Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center
Mesa Verde vacation in the heart of southwest Colorado. Private, secluded, elegant lakeside cabins, fishing, gear, boats on private lake. Kitchens,…
Day 2
breakfast
Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters
Grab fresh-brewed coffee, smoothies, specialty frozen-espresso drinks and breakfast burritos.
activity
Mancos Creative District
Facilitated by a vibrant community of more than 150 artists, the growing downtown has eight galleries, a historic opera house and countless locally…
lunch
Mancos Brewing Company
Mancos Brewing Company provides great beer in a relaxed setting . Come in and sit down, order a beer (or a glass of wine) and a bite of food. We also…
activity
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center and Museum, BLM
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum contains a 3.5 million-item research collection. Exhibits interpret the history and culture of the…
dinner
Dolores River Brewery
Every community should have a comfortable place to hang out with somebody!
activity
Yellow Car Country Wines
A winery located in Cortez, CO making fruit wines and meads. The view is great. Come take a break, have a glass of wine, and take a bottle home with…
lodging
Baymont Inn & Suites Cortez
Located off Highway 160 in scenic Southwest Colorado. Take in the sweeping views of La Plata, the Blue Mountains, and Mesa Verde Ridge from your room…