Hello all... just wondering what you guys think about this. Would it be worthwhile to try and visit Mesa Verde N.P. on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend versus Sunday? Does anyone think it would be a little less crowded or not much difference as a holiday weekend is a holiday weekend and I should expect lots o' folks over the whole thing. Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Mesa Verde is always crowded on Memorial Day weekend, because some of the ruins (such as Cliff Palace and Balcony House) that have been closed since September finally open. Also, a lot of people come to town for the Iron Horse Bicycle Race, and associated festivities. Friday is a little less crowded than Sunday, because fewer locals visit that day, and some other visitors are still travelling.

It's still worth going then, because May weather is usually nice, and it's not too hot yet. It's likely that there will still be snow on the mountains nearby. It's also just before fire season, so there's less chance of a park closure.

You might want to call the park and ask when they plan to open most of the ruins next year.

Thanks for sharing your opinion... I was planning on visiting regardless, but I'm just trying to figure out which of the three days I'm gonna spend in the area would be best to actually visit the N.P.

We were at Mesa Verde this year on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. It was not very crowded. We didn't have to wait long for the tour of Cliff Palace, which I highly recommend. Balcony House was also open, but we didn't take that tour - I thought it was too physical for me. One of the ruins was not yet open, I think it was Spruce Tree House. The weather was perfect.

If you are planning on visiting Canyon de Chelly, AZ, which isn't to far from Mesa Verde, I can tell you it doesn't get crowded at all on Memorial Day Weekend.

Utahtea