2018 Mesa Verde Trip

[acastillo74]

We just came back from a week-long trip around southern Colorado. This is a first stop at Mesa Verde National Park. We stayed at Ancient Cedar RV park just outside the NP. It was a decent RV park, but they really crammed as any campers into it as they could.

In the park, we toured 3 ruins, the first being Balcony House, then Long House, and finally Cliff Palace. The Spruce Tree House ruins, which are normally open was closed because the overhang is at risk of collapse. We were blessed that the last tour of Cliff Palace was done by a geoengineer at the park, who explained that they are working on a plan to save Spruce Tree House.

We also passed the start of the 416 wildfire north of Durango.

[leeman]

Originally Posted by acastillo74

We just came back from a week-long trip around southern Colorado. This is a first stop at Mesa Verde National Park. We stayed at Ancient Cedar RV park just outside the NP. It was a decent RV park, but they really crammed as any campers into it as they could.



In the park, we toured 3 ruins, the first being Balcony House, then Long House, and finally Cliff Palace. The Spruce Tree House ruins, which are normally open was closed because the overhang is at risk of collapse. We were blessed that the last tour of Cliff Palace was done by a geoengineer at the park, who explained that they are working on a plan to save Spruce Tree House.



We also passed the start of the 416 wildfire north of Durango.

Would we be able to take our rig through the park?

[Paulie1138]

We also recently went to Mesa Verde, a few weeks before Memorial Day. Lots of tight turns in the park. Not very big rig friendly but doable. Depends on the time of year you go as to how much traffic you will encounter, as well as parking availability. Seems a lot of cars like to take the spaces set aside for larger RV's.

If towing, they have a place at the entrance to unhook, unless you get a camp site within the park to set up. Great place and a lot of history. Also, many other great places to explore nearby. Get a site in the area, and jump off from there.

[JohnD10]

I satayed at Ancient Cedars last fall...

Nice place, but my awning almost touched my neighbor on one side and my slide out was less than an inch from my neighbor on the other side.

But, it was a nice RV park none the less.

[Gsykora]

Looks nice. We were scheduled to go there as our last stop on our 35 day trip. We were staying at "The Views Campground" in Dolores Co, about 1/2 way between Mesa Verde and Canyons of the Ancients. However, while fishing, I tripped and sprained an ankle and we had to cut our trip short. We're planning another trip up through Utah and I've penciled Mesa Verde back in for that one.

[Ilovemywife]

Deloris River Campground is probably one of the best areas to park your camper in the area.

If you just need a quick place and don't mind street traffic then Sundance is ok for transients.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by leeman

Would we be able to take our rig through the park?

No. This from their visitor guide.
Trailers and towed vehicles are not allowed
beyond Morefield Campground, but trailer parking
is available near the park entrance.

In addition, fill up on gas before you get there. The drive is 50 miles long, but you'll burn up a lot more gas waiting......

Try this visitor guide.
https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvis...8_04-04-18.pdf

[CHICKDOE]

we were there this summer. no you cannot take a trailer or towed vehicle through the park. there is a parking lot near the entrance to unhook them and store them while you explore. also, you do not go 'through' the park. you may drive around it but there is only one entrance road that you use to go into and out of the park.

[ependydad]

Thanks for the pictures! We loved it there. The Balcony House tour is the only one we did. My wife was super nervous about having to crawl into the cave opening at the end. I was nervous with having a 4 year old on the ladders!

My pictures:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougse...57680401211854

[High Desert]

Intersting as we will be staying 3 days in the Morefield CG at Mesa Verde then on up to the Dolores River CG for a few more days. Glad to see clear skies as the west has been pretty smoky lately from all the Ca wildfires and a few in SW Oregon. Thanks for sharing!

[cpttimerstraint]

I really like the balcony house. It was nice how far into it you got to go. I had my 2 year old in a backpack for the ladders and it was a little nerve racking.

We also stayed at ancient cedars across the freeway and really liked it.