
Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 320 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch worth booking?
Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch is a 8-hour experience in Durango, United States, from $206 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 320 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (320)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $206 per person
It’s no question that locals and past visitors consider Mesa Verde National Park a must-visit. It allows us a rare opportunity to experience preserved North American history before European contact. Joining a Mild to Wil
What you get
About this experience
It’s no question that locals and past visitors consider Mesa Verde National Park a must-visit. It allows us a rare opportunity to experience preserved North American history before European contact. Joining a Mild to Wild guide ensures guests will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of authentic Southwestern culture. Our Full Day Discovery Tour will show off this outdoor museum with plenty of insight into the ancient indigenous culture, the history of the Park, and more. It’s the best way to get the most out of a day at Mesa Verde. Our tour vehicles are comfortable, air conditioned, and come with speakers to help you hear your guide's interp throughout the drive. *Please note that Cliff Palace tickets sell out quickly, we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance to ensure we have tickets.
What's included
Included
- Entry pass to Mesa Verde National Park
- Ranger guided tour into Cliff Palace
- Shuttle to, through and from the park
- Knowledgeable Mesa Verde guide / driver
- Local Deli Lunch and Beverages
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Mesa Verde National Park
Meet at our Durango Office to shuttle over to Mesa Verde with your guide! The drive is incredibly scenic and takes about 45 minutes while driving past the La Plata Mountains. Once there, you'll visit the top sites along the mesa before your expedition into Cliff Palace. This portion of the tour lasts about 45 minutes, and includes climbing a narrow staircase and series of ladders to reach the dwellings. The rangers will provide some interpretation, while giving you time to wander beneath the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Afterwards we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the sites or overlooks, before continuing to more ancient villages and sacred kivas to explore. Expect a lot of information along the way! Our guides offer far more insight and knowledge about the sites than visitors going on their own, as posted information and placards are limited throughout the Park. After a stop at a spectacular lookout of the Four Corners Region, we'll shuttle back to Durango!
360 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Durango
If you choose this option, please meet us at the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce no later than 9:00 am. Our drive will meet you in the parking lot.
Meeting point
Durango
Please meet us at our office no later than 8:15 am. Once you arrive, go inside our office to check in with a Mild to Wild Staff member!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
If you choose this option, please meet us at the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce no later than 9:00 am. Our drive will meet you in the parking lot.
Ends at
Please meet us at our office no later than 8:15 am. Once you arrive, go inside our office to check in with a Mild to Wild Staff member!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You must bring your own car seats for children who require them. CO Car Seat Law states that children up to 8 years old must be in an appropriate car seat.
- Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and water are recommended.
- Dress in layers. Summer is cool in the morning and hot by the afternoon. Bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves for fall, winter, and spring.
- Part of the tour may include climbing 10 ft. ladders made of Tree Trunks. Not all travelers are required to participate in this part but this is required in order to exit Cliff Palace
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 319 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
319 verified traveler reviews for Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wondrous experience of Colorado and the Indian history!
Our tour was wonderful. Jared, our guide, was informative and made the day memorable. The entire experience was amazing and one NOT to miss. Just fabulous!
Response from the operator: We appreciate your fantastic review! It's wonderful to know that Jared was able to make your tour informative and memorable. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you again on another adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Great trip
It was a wonderful trip. Cat , our guide, was fun, knowledgable and accomodating.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great trip with Cat as your guide. Her knowledge and fun spirit truly enhance the experience.
via Tripadvisor
Mesa Verde-a Must See!
Mesa Verde is a fabulous National Park. It is just amazing to see these artifacts. It is hard to get a tour to the Cliff Palace so we booked with Mild to Wild to be assured of a slot. Their company is easy to find and the bus ride was comfy and informative with Tim. We toured that morning with Tim who knows all the great spots that are a Must-See then after a great lunch, he handed us off to a park ranger to head to the Cliff Palace. Getting there involved many uneven stone steps and a few ladder climbs. We loved it but it was not for the faint of heart! It is steep and on the side of a cliff so watch your step and children!! We had a great day and this is a non-stressful way to see the park.
via Tripadvisor
Best excursion ever
We had ANN all to our self she was amazing and her knowledge and explaining things was amazing Lunch was great everything was great
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such an incredible experience with Ann on the Mesa Verde Full Day Tour. It's great to know you enjoyed both her insights and the lunch!
via Tripadvisor
Super time
Everyone was great to us. From out arranging a shuttle ride to the meeting place to the trip itself. Our driver Cat was super nice and very knowledgeable. She had plenty of pre adventure advice, lots of water and set out lunch for the entire group. She even went above and beyond by give us a ride back to out camp site.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad our team made everything easy, from arranging your shuttle to the adventure itself. Cat will be thrilled to hear that her knowledge, pre-adventure advice, thoughtful preparation, and extra ride back to your campsite helped make your day special. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure with Mild to Wild!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 112
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Durango.
How much does Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $206 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Durango usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Durango is not rushed.
Is Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 320 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Durango, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch?
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Around 112 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Durango can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Durango and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Durango within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Durango?
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Durango runs the Durango and Silverton narrow gauge steam railroad, Mesa Verde cliff dwelling tours, Animas River rafting, jeep trails and winter skiing at Purgatory. On Outty we rank every Durango experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Durango Colorado - Rafting 1/4 Day, Durango Half Day Rafting Trip - Lower Animas River, Durango 1/4 Day Rafting Trip - Lower Animas River. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Durango?
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May to October, with the railroad running year-round in shorter form. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Durango?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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