St. George to Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde is the only national park in the U.S. dedicated to preserving cultural heritage. Home to over 5,000 archaeological sites including 600 cliff dwellings built by Ancestral Puebloans between 600 and 1300 AD.
I-15 N to I-70 E to US-491 S to US-160 E
490 miles
Distance
7 hr
Drive Time
east
Direction
May-September
Best Time
7,000-8,572 feet elevation
Driving from St. George to Mesa Verde National Park
Route: I-15 N to I-70 E to US-491 S to US-160 E
Head north on I-15 to I-70 East through Grand Junction, Colorado. Take CO-141 South or continue to US-491 South to Cortez, then US-160 East to the park entrance. Alternatively, take US-191 through Moab to US-491. Allow a full day of driving.
About Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado preserves one of the most significant archaeological treasures in North America — the cliff dwellings and mesa-top villages of the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived here for over 700 years (600-1300 AD). The park protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings tucked beneath sandstone overhangs in deep canyon alcoves. These are among the best-preserved prehistoric dwellings on the continent, offering a haunting and humbling window into an advanced ancient civilization.
The most famous site, Cliff Palace, is the largest cliff dwelling in North America with 150 rooms and 23 kivas (ceremonial chambers). Other remarkable structures include Balcony House, accessed by climbing a 32-foot ladder and crawling through a narrow tunnel, and Long House on Wetherill Mesa, the park's second-largest dwelling. The Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum provides excellent context with artifacts, dioramas, and ranger programs that bring the ancient culture to life.
The drive from St. George to Mesa Verde takes approximately 7 hours via I-15 North and I-70 East through Grand Junction, then south through Colorado's western slope to Cortez. This is best planned as a multi-day trip — most visitors spend 2-3 days exploring the park. The nearby towns of Cortez, Mancos, and Durango offer lodging, dining, and additional cultural attractions. Mesa Verde combines exceptionally well with other Four Corners region destinations including Hovenweep National Monument, the Four Corners Monument, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Cedar City — 52 miles / 55 min (full services)
- Grand Junction, CO — 300 miles / 4 hr (full services, last major city)
- Cortez, CO — 480 miles / 6 hr 45 min (full services, closest town to park entrance)
Weather & Climate
Mesa Verde sits at 7,000-8,500 feet on a high mesa. Summer highs are pleasant at 75-90°F with afternoon thunderstorms common. Winter brings snow, ice, and road closures with temps from 15-40°F. Spring and fall are variable (40-70°F). The mesa-top elevation creates its own weather — always bring layers and rain gear. Lightning is a serious hazard during summer storms.
Best Time to Visit
May-September
Summer is peak season with the most cliff dwelling tours available and the best weather for exploring. May and September offer fewer crowds with pleasant temperatures (60-80°F). The park road to Wetherill Mesa closes from October through May. Winter access is limited but Cliff Palace viewpoints remain accessible. Wildflowers bloom on the mesa top in late May and June.
Things to Do in Mesa Verde National Park
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado.
Cliff Dwellings & Sites
Cliff Palace
$8 tour ticket + $30/vehicle entryThe largest cliff dwelling in North America with 150 rooms and 23 kivas. Ranger-guided tours descend stone steps and ladders into the alcove for an up-close experience. The most visited and photographed site in the park.
Balcony House
$8 tour ticket + entryAn adventurous ranger-guided tour involving a 32-foot ladder climb, crawling through a 12-foot tunnel, and climbing steep stone steps. 40 rooms built in a dramatic alcove. Not for those afraid of heights or tight spaces.
Long House
$8 tour ticket + entryThe park's second-largest dwelling with 150 rooms on Wetherill Mesa. Accessed via a 2.25-mile round-trip hike with ranger-guided tours into the alcove. Less crowded than Cliff Palace with equally impressive architecture.
Spruce Tree House
Included with entryFormerly the most accessible cliff dwelling (currently closed for stabilization but visible from overlook). The third-largest dwelling with 130 rooms. The overlook viewpoint provides excellent photographic opportunities.
Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum
Included with entryExcellent museum with Ancestral Puebloan artifacts, pottery, tools, and dioramas showing daily life. Ranger programs and a short self-guided trail to a mesa-top archaeological site start here.
Nearby Dining (Cortez/Mancos)
Absolute Bakery & Cafe
$$Beloved Mancos cafe serving artisan pastries, wood-fired pizza, and farm-to-table fare. A favorite stop for Mesa Verde visitors with a charming small-town atmosphere.
Shiso Asian Kitchen
$$Unexpected gem in Cortez serving fresh Pan-Asian cuisine including sushi, ramen, and Thai dishes. A welcome change of pace after days of Southwestern food.
Farm Bistro
$$$Upscale casual dining in Cortez with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus. Creative Southwestern-inspired dishes and craft cocktails.
Nero's Italian Restaurant
$$Family-run Italian restaurant in Cortez serving homemade pasta, pizza, and traditional entrees. Reliable comfort food with generous portions after a day of exploring ruins.
Combine With
Four Corners Monument
$8/personThe only place in the U.S. where four states meet (Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico). A Navajo Tribal Park with vendor stalls and photo opportunities. About 40 miles south of Cortez.
Hovenweep National Monument
$10/vehicleRemarkable Ancestral Puebloan towers and dwellings on the Utah-Colorado border. Less visited than Mesa Verde with a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. About 45 miles west of Cortez.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
$100-$250/personHistoric steam train running 45 miles through the San Juan Mountains from Durango to the old mining town of Silverton. One of Colorado's most scenic and beloved heritage experiences. Durango is 45 minutes east of Mesa Verde.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Mesa Verde National Park Drive
Book cliff dwelling tour tickets in advance at recreation.gov — Cliff Palace and Balcony House sell out quickly in summer
The park entrance road is 21 miles long with steep switchbacks — allow 45 minutes from the entrance to the main sites
Plan for a multi-day trip — this is a 7-hour drive best combined with other Four Corners attractions
Bring layers — the mesa top sits at 7,000-8,500 feet and temperatures can be 20°F cooler than the valley below
The Balcony House tour requires climbing a 32-foot ladder and crawling through a tunnel — not suitable for everyone
Visit the Chapin Mesa Museum first for context before exploring the cliff dwellings
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Mesa Verde National Park
How far is Mesa Verde from St. George?
Mesa Verde National Park is approximately 490 miles (7 hours) from St. George via I-15 North, I-70 East through Grand Junction, and US-491 South to Cortez, Colorado. This is best planned as a multi-day road trip combined with other Four Corners region destinations.
Do I need to book cliff dwelling tours in advance?
Yes, ranger-guided tours of Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House require advance tickets ($8 each) available at recreation.gov. Tours sell out during peak summer months (June-August). Self-guided viewpoints and mesa-top sites do not require separate tickets beyond the $30/vehicle park entry fee.
When is the best time to visit Mesa Verde?
May through September offers the most cliff dwelling tours and best weather. June through August is peak season with the most programs but also the most crowds. May and September are ideal with fewer visitors and pleasant weather. Winter access is limited, with many sites and the Wetherill Mesa road closed from October through May.
Are the cliff dwellings accessible for people with mobility issues?
Most cliff dwelling tours require climbing ladders, navigating uneven surfaces, and ascending steep steps. Balcony House is the most physically demanding. However, many sites can be viewed from overlooks along paved rim trails, and the Chapin Mesa Museum is fully accessible. The park has worked to improve accessibility while preserving the archaeological integrity of the sites.
Can you actually go inside the cliff dwellings?
Yes, ranger-guided tours of Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House take you inside the dwelling alcoves where you can walk among the ancient rooms and kivas. You cannot enter individual rooms, but you walk through the communal plazas and along the pathways the Ancestral Puebloans used. It is a remarkable and unforgettable experience.
Nearby Destinations from Mesa Verde National Park
Moab
The adventure capital of Utah, home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, legendary mountain biking, world-class rock climbing, and Colorado River rafting. Moab delivers adrenaline-pumping outdoor experiences in a jaw-dropping desert landscape.
Monument Valley
The iconic sandstone buttes of Monument Valley have defined the American West in film and photography for over a century. This Navajo Tribal Park offers guided tours, cultural experiences, and landscapes that have appeared in countless movies from John Ford westerns to Forrest Gump.
Arches National Park
Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches including the iconic Delicate Arch, Arches National Park offers one of the most concentrated collections of natural arches in the world. Red rock fins, towers, and balanced rocks create an otherworldly landscape.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Mesa Verde National Park
St. George to Mesa Verde National Park — 490 miles, 7 hr Drive
Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado preserves one of the most significant archaeological treasures in North America — the cliff dwellings and mesa-top villages of the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived here for over 700 years (600-1300 AD). The park protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings tucked beneath sandstone overhangs in deep canyon alcoves. These are among the best-preserved prehistoric dwellings on the continent, offering a haunting and humbling window into an advanced ancient civilization.
The route from St. George, Utah to Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado covers 490 miles and takes approximately 7 hr via I-15 N to I-70 E to US-491 S to US-160 E. Head north on I-15 to I-70 East through Grand Junction, Colorado. Take CO-141 South or continue to US-491 South to Cortez, then US-160 East to the park entrance. Alternatively, take US-191 through Moab to US-491. Allow a full day of driving.
Things to Do in Mesa Verde National Park
Cliff Dwellings & Sites: Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Long House. Nearby Dining (Cortez/Mancos): Absolute Bakery & Cafe, Shiso Asian Kitchen, Farm Bistro. Combine With: Four Corners Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park
Summer is peak season with the most cliff dwelling tours available and the best weather for exploring. May and September offer fewer crowds with pleasant temperatures (60-80°F). The park road to Wetherill Mesa closes from October through May. Winter access is limited but Cliff Palace viewpoints remain accessible. Wildflowers bloom on the mesa top in late May and June.
Travel Tips
Book cliff dwelling tour tickets in advance at recreation.gov — Cliff Palace and Balcony House sell out quickly in summer. The park entrance road is 21 miles long with steep switchbacks — allow 45 minutes from the entrance to the main sites. Plan for a multi-day trip — this is a 7-hour drive best combined with other Four Corners attractions. Bring layers — the mesa top sits at 7,000-8,500 feet and temperatures can be 20°F cooler than the valley below.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Moab, Monument Valley, Arches National Park.