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4-Day: Mesa Verde National Park Morefield Campground

Mesa Verde National Park is one of the many jewels of Colorado including its designation as an official "Dark Skies" site. Hiking, museum tours, ruin tours are all available to visitors.

Although the park is open year round, many roads are closed for snow during the winter.  In addition, Mesa Verde has had several sites closed for repairs as well as some parts of the road. Please check the website for details.  https://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm

Nearest town:  Cortez

Morefield Campground is inside Mesa Verde NP

Local Management:  Aramark  800 449 2288

Reservations:  Recreation.gov 877 444 6777  Six months in advance

Amenities:  Sites are RV or tents; picnic table, fire ring, both vault & flush toilets, showers, general store, limited menu restaurant.  Fairview Lodge and Restaurant is within park property and short drive from campground.

There are multiple ranger led tours available, although some are seasonal. All tour reservations can be made thru https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/tour_tickets.htm

Hiking in Mesa Verde varies from trails of a half mile to more than 7 miles; elevation gains were not provided on the website.  Trail maps are provided on the MVNP website.

Fees:  Camp site $36 per site x 3 sites x 3  nights/6 = $54    Leaders must reserve sites in advance.  Reimbursement due date from participants is set by the leader.  Baseline carpool  fees based on 3 persons per vehicle 720 miles x $.30/3 = $72  Additional mileage to be settled at trip's termination or determined by driver. 

Driving:  From Golden:  360 miles/6 1/2 hrs     Take C470 to US 285 (Fairplay exit).  Drive to Hwy 160 out of Monte Vista toward Del Norte, through Pagosa Springs, through Durango to MVNP exit, left on Mesa Top Ruins Road to Visitor Center

Nearest 24/7 ER:  Southwest County Hospital, 1311 N. Mildred Rd, Cortez 970 565 6666

Sheriff:  Montezuma County 970 565 8452

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 4-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1 - Drive to VC and explore its many exhibits, drive to Morefield and make camp

Day 2 - Tours of MVNP or hike

Day 3 - Tours of MVNP or hike

Day 4 - Break camp, drive back to meeting location

Note:  Ute Mountain Tribal Park Native American Guided Tours at 970 565 9653; UMTP also has primitive campgrounds available  http://www.utemountaintribalpark.info/

Canyon of the Ancients is also a fantastic visit including the museum and hiking/driving tours.

  • Suitable Activities: Camping
  • Seasons: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: varies
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  • Trails Illustrated 144
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