I was wondering if anyone has visited Mesa Verde NP recently and could tell me about the staffing they had available in the park (or lack thereof)? My family and I will be visiting Mesa Verde NP starting on 4/2/2021 and I was trying to determine if:

1) We would be able to purchase an Annual National Park pass at the entrance booth? I was concerned due to COVID that the booth may be unmanned/self-serve in which case I would be unable to purchase the annual pass.

2) I understand the visitor centers are currently closed, but do they still have park rangers available outside the visitor center's to answer questions? In particular, my children were wondering if they would be able to receive their Junior Ranger booklets and redeem them for their badges?

Thank you for any information you may be able to provide.

you can get a permit on www. recreation.gov----print it or put on your phone.......you can use online virtual ranger station.......info is on their website....call them if you need more info.........

Just a post update in case anyone else was wondering the same: I emailed the park and they responded rather promptly! The entrance stations are staffed so I can purchase the annual pass there as well as pick up the Junior Ranger booklets there. No rangers are staffed (outdoors) at the visitor centers. As such, the Junior Ranger Booklets will have to be mailed in for the kids to "redeem" their badges.

pasandy91: Thank you for your reply but sadly, if you call the park no one answers any available extension (Covid?). Also, the permits you can purchase online do not include the annual passes.

Just a post update in case anyone else was wondering the same: I emailed the park and they responded rather promptly! The entrance stations are staffed so I can purchase the annual pass there as well as pick up the Junior Ranger booklets there. No rangers are staffed (outdoors) at the visitor centers. As such, the Junior Ranger Booklets will have to be mailed in for the kids to "redeem" their badges.

pasandy91: Thank you for your reply but sadly, if you call the park no one answers any available extension (Covid?). Also, the permits you can purchase online do not include the annual passes.

I am so glad you got your info from someone in the know....I really missed the annual permit thing ....have a wonderful trip...there is nothing like taking your children toT these experiences and seeing things through their eyes.......you and the children will never forget them.........too bad covid came along to ruin things but make the best of your trip........no one is promised tomorrow.......

All Interagency passes including Annual passes and Senior Lifetime passes (over age 62) can be purchased over the phone by calling 1 888 ASK USGS (275 8747) 8-4 MT. Online USGS.gov/pass You will get a receipt online but they will mail you your pass including a hangtag to hang it on your rear view mirror. The Senior Lifetime pass went up to $80 in August 2017. I'm glad I got mine for $10 from the visitor Center at Crater Lake NP. My wife got hers from our local US Forest Service Ranger Station. On the website you can also call up a list of where to buy in person.