Snowshoeing at Mesa Verde National Park

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The cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde were home to ancestral Pueblo Indian people. Today, visitors come from all over the world to explore the archaeology preserved sites at Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde is not for summer visitors only.  In winter you’ll see another, quieter side of the park with mid-February the most likely snowshoeing time.

In 2015 fewer than 50 people visit on the quietest off-season days. After the ranger-guided tours end in the fall you enjoy the solitude and peace and quiet.

In January and February, the park hosts events including a moonlight ski and snowshoe at the Morefield Campground. Some years the snow is extremely high, other years events get cancelled because of the lack of snow.

Where to stay

If you are looking for a place to stay we recommend the Canyon of the Ancient Guest Ranch. This is a working ranch with cattle, sheep, dogs and a cat. You will fall in love with the peace and quiet and the surrounding beauty.


This is the best place you will ever stay. The hosts are so accommodating and make you feel like family. On booking.com they get an exceptional rating of 9.8.

How to get there

Under a blanket of snow, Mesa Verde feels very far from the modern world. If you go: The park entrance is 10 miles east of Cortez on US Highway 160.