Mesa Verde NP hikes

[scottz]

This information for those that are making the trip to Mesa Verde NP on Thursday, June 9. Some of the cliff dwellings can be seen from overlooks that we will drive to. There are also a few ruins that you can hike into on a “ranger assisted” or “ranger guided” tour. We know this is not for everyone, but want to give you the option. If you want to take one of these tours, you will have to make a reservation and purchase tickets which are very limited. For your tour time, you will separate from the group to take your tour.

Based on what we currently see, only three ruins will be available during our visit; Long House ($8), Mug House ($25), and Square Tower House ($25). Each will have a few tour times. Long House is described as a 60-minute hike, the other two as 90-minute strenuous hikes; but I’ll let you read the details on the NP website.

Reservation Procedure:
Reservations and ticket purchases cannot be made more than 14 days in advance. The first day you will be able to make a reservation for our trip is Thursday, May 26 at 8am, mountain time. The rangers told us the tickets go fast. If you want to take a tour, it is strongly recommended that you be on-line at 8am, mountain time on May 26.

No need to let us know on-line if you will be taking a tour; we will discuss it the morning of our trip. As a group, we plan to arrive at the park about 9am; if you want to take an early tour, you can go earlier.

Website for tour descriptions: https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/tour_tickets.htm

Website to make reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233362