Mesa Verde National Park Tours
A tour of Long House is one of the most in-depth in the park. Located on Wetherill Mesa, Long House tours offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy the quieter side of Mesa Verde. As the second largest cliff dwelling, Long House is both grand and intimate. Visitors will enjoy changing landscapes, picturesque views of distant canyons and mesas, and an active seep spring within the dwelling. For a virtual tour, go to https://go.nps.gov/LHvideo .
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If you plan on booking a second tour on the same day, we highly suggest you give yourself at least:
For more information on the minimum amount of time needed between tours, look for the booking advice link on https://go.nps.gov/mv_tourtickets.
Select a date to see a list of times
Starting at the Wetherill Mesa information kiosk, this two-hour ranger-guided tour involves hiking at least 2.25 miles (3.6 km) round-trip, and climbing two 15-foot (4.5m) ladders within the site. The hike has an elevation gain of about 130 feet (40 m). The tour ends at the Long House trailhead, giving you the choice of returning to the kiosk or exploring more of Wetherill Mesa on your own. Allow about 2.5 hours (total) for tour and return to kiosk.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and bring a minimum of 1/2 gallon (2 liters) of water per person.
Consider your physical health before joining a hike, especially if you have heart or respiratory problems, or other physical difficulties. Elevations range between 7,000 and 7,500 feet (2134 m and 2286 m) above sea level. You should plan for all weather possibilities because weather conditions are quite variable. It's possible to begin your hike in full sun and end with a thunderstorm or snowstorm.
There are no height or age restrictions for this tour, but children must be able to walk the extent of the trail and climb ladders on their own without difficulty. If not, they must be placed in a carrier.
Cameras are welcome, but you must be able to carry all of your gear while keeping your hands free to climb the ladders. No tripods are allowed.
From the park entrance, drive 15.1 miles (24.3 km) to the turn-off for Wetherill Mesa – Long House (on your right, between the Far View Lodge and Far View Terrace). Turn right. Drive 12 miles (19.3 km) to reach the Wetherill Mesa parking lot. Meet ranger at the information kiosk.
Be aware: Vehicles over 25-feet (8 m) long are not allowed on the Wetherill Mesa Road.
To make sure you arrive on time, allow at least 1.5 hours to drive to the Wetherill Mesa parking lot from the park entrance. We suggest arriving at least 15 minutes before the tour is scheduled to start.
●May 22 to August 15, 2020 -- 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm
●August 16 to October 17, 2020 -- 9:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:00 pm
Price: $7.00 per person, ages 3 and up. You MUST pick up a hard-copy of your reserved ticket before going on your tour. Tour Tickets can be picked up to a week in advance or on the day of the tour. Tickets need to be picked up at least 2.5 hours before your tour starts.You may pick your tickets up at the Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center, Morefield Ranger Station, Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, or the Durango Welcome Center in Durango, CO.
Tour is limited to 35 people