pacersfever

I have a two day trip to Mesa Verde National Park coming up soon but just found out that the Cliff Palace Loop Road and Balcony House and Cliff Palace itself will be closed to tours until late July. I still have a tour booked for the Long House but with the closures (including the Chapin Museum) is it still worth it to spend two full days in the park? I am considering maybe spending one day in a different location like Canyon of the Ancients, Canyon de Chelly, or Chaco Culture instead. Thanks!

Michael

For a one day excursion, Hovenweep Ntional Monument is only a little more than an hour away compared to the three hours to Chaco Canyon:

https://flic.kr/p/7neohC https://flic.kr/p/7uwdQy
Or another day trip would be the train ride from Durango to Silverton:

https://flic.kr/p/7e89oQ

Gretchen

That looks terrific to visit

We really enjoyed Canyon de Chelly after mesa Verde--sorry about the closures.

oldemalloy

One full day should be enough given the closures, but do understand that getting to the top of the Mesa can take 45/minutes or more from the VC and longer if you stop at the pull outs. You do not want to drive back down after dark.

What direction are you planning to go after you visit? Chaco Canyon, and Canyon de Chelley are truly wonderful, but are far enough from Mesa Verde to take more than a day to drive to and spend much time visiting.

You also could visit Hovenweep, Aztec ruin or Bandelier if you want more Native American sites depending on what direction you will head next..

StantonHyde

Go to the museum in Delores and then to Lowry Pueblo--truly amazing!! (Canyon of the Ancients)