Mesa Verde question
 

We'll be in Durango for 3 days, and thinking about a trip to MV this Friday...unfortunately only have 1 day. I'm thinking that you really have to take a guided tour to the cliff dwellings, and not just a drive around, looking from a distance. If we get to MV early, is it doable....does it make sense if we only have one day?...Thanks!

Absolutely go. Even with one day, it's a great experience, it doesn't have to be limited to just a "drive around". Durango to the MV turn off is only a little over 1/2 hour and even though there is then a bit of a drive to the cliff dwellings, if you get started early you should be able to squeeze in a guided tour, there is also self guided, overlook views and info in the visitor center.

You can do an overlook to Spruce House (closed now) and enjoy a lot of the park, even if you can't get in a guided tour.

Do go as early as you can and take a ranger led tour. You also can do the mesa top loop and stop at the early sights as well as look across at the cliff dwellings.

Two years ago we were able to go on our own to Wetherill Mesa area in October, but there were no tours. This would probably add three quarters of an hour each way to get there, and the dwellings were similar to ones along Mesa Top loop , so I would not take the time to go out there on this trip even if it is open.

Enjoy the park.

Go go go, no matter how little time you have! I consider this one of the wonders of the world.

Check out the nps.gov website for tour times at this point in the season.