Our Southern Colorado road trip in August brought us to one of the most fascinating stops on our journey: Mesa Verde National Park. After two amazing days in Ouray, an afternoon in Silverton, and an incredible evening at Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers in Durango, we arrived in Mancos to settle into our Airbnb—a stunning property that turned out to be one of the best places we’ve ever stayed. With Mesa Verde’s entrance just a short drive away, we were perfectly positioned for a full day of exploration. Here is our day at Mesa Verde with kids:
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Where We Stayed: The Perfect Airbnb in Mancos
Before diving into the details of Mesa Verde, I have to rave about our Airbnb. This property was an absolute gem for our family of five. Spacious, peaceful, and surrounded by breathtaking views, it was the ideal home base for our two-night stay. The kids loved exploring the property, and we appreciated the proximity to Mesa Verde—it was literally just minutes from the park entrance. While two nights worked for us, we easily could have stayed longer to soak in the tranquility. Check out the Airbnb here.
Booking Mesa Verde Tours in Advance
Mesa Verde is a destination that requires a bit of planning, especially if you want to take guided tours of its most famous cliff dwellings. We booked the Cliff Palace and Balcony House tours two weeks in advance. This is highly recommended, as these tours fill up quickly. While it’s possible to enjoy much of Mesa Verde without a tour, getting up close to the cliff dwellings is a one-of-a-kind experience that truly brings the history of the park to life.
Our schedule included:
- 11:30 AM Cliff Palace Tour
- 2:00 PM Balcony House Tour
These times gave us plenty of room for lunch and breaks, which was crucial with young kids.
Starting the Day at Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center
We began our day with a quick stop at the Visitor and Research Center near the park entrance. While we didn’t have much time to explore the center, we made sure to pick up Junior Ranger booklets for our kids. These booklets are always a hit with our family and are a fantastic way to keep the kids engaged. They’re packed with fun activities that teach about the park, and completing them earns the kids a badge and a Junior Ranger oath at the end of the day. Don’t miss this if you’re traveling to Mesa Verde with kids!
Cliff Palace Tour: A Close-Up Look at History
Our first tour was at Cliff Palace, the largest and most famous cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde. The site is awe-inspiring, with its intricate structures tucked into the cliffside. The tour started with a descent down several sets of stairs and a short hiking trail. For our kids (ages 8, 6, and 4), this was manageable and even fun, especially when they got to climb a few small ladders.
While the site itself was incredible, the tour’s length and detailed lectures posed a challenge for our younger ones. The guides provided in-depth information about the Ancestral Puebloans who built and lived in these dwellings over 700 years ago. While insightful for adults, much of it went over our kids’ heads, and sitting still under the hot sun made them a bit antsy. Despite this, the experience of standing inside these ancient homes was unforgettable.
Lunch Break at Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe
After the tour, we took a much-needed break at Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe, located near the Mesa Verde Museum. While it’s not prominently listed on park maps, this spot was a convenient place to grab snacks and drinks. We also brought our own packed lunches, which made for a quick and budget-friendly meal. Refueled and rehydrated, we were ready for the next adventure.
Balcony House Tour: A Thrilling Adventure
The Balcony House Tour was, without a doubt, the most adventurous and memorable part of our day. However, it was also the most nerve-wracking. We had a real dilemma about whether to take our kids, especially our 4-year-old, on this tour. The risks are very real, as the tour involves navigating extremely high heights with no safety guarantees. Falling from the ladders or cliffs could result in serious consequences.
This tour requires participants to navigate:
- A 100-foot staircase descent into the canyon
- A 32-foot ladder climb
- Crawling through a 12-foot tunnel (only 18 inches wide!)
- Climbing an additional 60 feet via ladders and stone steps
We were the only family with young children on our particular tour, which added to our hesitation. It’s important to know that the ranger allows participants to turn around at the base of the first ladder if they decide not to proceed. However, once you ascend the first ladder, there is no turning back, and you must complete the entire tour. This information was critical for us as we debated whether to proceed.
Our kids were ecstatic, pretending they were adventurers exploring ancient ruins. Jamie, on the other hand, faced her fear of heights and declared this would be a one-and-done experience for her. Our 4-year-old handled the ladders and tight spaces like a champ, but it was nerve-racking to watch her navigate such precarious challenges.
While the physical challenges were thrilling and the sense of accomplishment was immense, this tour is not for everyone. If you or your children have any fear of heights or doubts about physical ability, it’s wise to consider alternative options. Nevertheless, for those who can brave it, the Balcony House Tour is an unforgettable adventure that adds a new layer of appreciation for the ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans.
While the physical challenges were thrilling, we once again found the tour’s length and lectures a bit much for young kids. Nevertheless, the sense of accomplishment after finishing the tour made it all worth it.
Mesa Verde Museum and Junior Ranger Ceremony
After conquering the Balcony House, we headed to the Mesa Verde Museum. Here, the kids proudly turned in their Junior Ranger booklets and were sworn in as official Junior Rangers. It’s always a special moment for them, and it added an extra layer of excitement to the day.
The museum also features an informative film about the park, which we watched to cool off and wait out a brief rainstorm. It was a relaxing way to learn more about the Ancestral Puebloans and their remarkable achievements.
Mesa Top Loop: Square Tower House and More
With the rain cleared, we drove the Mesa Top Loop, a scenic route that features several overlooks and archaeological sites. Highlights included:
- Square Tower House: This was one of my favorite stops. The view of this multi-story dwelling built into the cliff was breathtaking.
- Sun Temple: The kids enjoyed walking around this open site and imagining how it was used by the Ancestral Puebloans.
- Cliff Palace Overlook: Seeing the morning’s tour site from afar gave us a new appreciation for its grandeur.
The loop provided a great mix of easy walks and spectacular views, and it was a perfect way to round out our visit.
Reflections on Mesa Verde with Kids
After a full day at Mesa Verde, we made the hour-long drive back to our Airbnb, exhausted but fulfilled. Our kids were pushed to their physical and mental limits, but they rose to the challenge and walked away with memories they’ll treasure forever.
While the park’s tours are a bit long for young kids, the opportunity to explore these ancient sites up close makes it well worth the effort. If you’re planning a trip to Mesa Verde with kids, here are some tips:
- Book Tours in Advance: Popular tours like Cliff Palace and Balcony House fill up quickly. Reserve them online at least two weeks ahead.
- Pack Snacks and Water: The park is vast, and amenities are limited. Bring plenty of supplies to keep everyone energized.
- Plan for the Drive: It takes about 75 minutes to reach the main sites from the park entrance. Factor this into your schedule.
- Know Your Limits: Balcony House is thrilling but not for everyone. Consider your family’s comfort with heights and physical challenges before booking.
- Junior Ranger Program: Don’t miss this free activity for kids. It’s both fun and educational.
On to the Next Adventure
Mesa Verde was a truly unforgettable experience and a highlight of our Southern Colorado road trip. Next up: the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, where we continued our journey into the history and beauty of Colorado. Stay tuned for more family travel adventures!
