Mesa Verde National Park Audio Tour Guide
Overview
Explore the ancient wonders of Mesa Verde National Park with our immersive audio tour! Walk among the cliff dwellings and archaeological sites of the Ancestral Pueblo people as our guides share captivating stories about their rich history, culture, and remarkable architecture. Learn about the significance of these ancient structures and the park's unique landscape. Perfect for families, history buffs, and curious travelers, our tour provides a fascinating and educational experience. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on a journey through the incredible history of Mesa Verde National Park!
*Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*
Meeting and Pickup
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Description
Stop At: Mesa Verde National Park Entrance Sign, Mancos, CO 81328, USA
When visitors first enter the park, they can take a quick photo at the entrance sign to commemorate their visit.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, 35853 Road H.5, Colorado 81328
The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is full of artifacts, artwork, and displays for visitors to enjoy. You can also have a chat with the rangers or grab a map to plan your trip easily.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Entrance Station Kiosk, Colorado 81328, USA
If you don't purchase your entrance pass prior to entering the park, this is where you'll purchase it.
Stop At: Mancos Valley Overlook, Mesa Top Ruins Road, Mancos, Colorado 81328
This first roadside overlook offers beautiful views of the Mancos Valley.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Morefield Campground, Mile Marker 4 U.S. 160, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
The Morefield Area, besides being home to the park's only gas station, hosts the Ranger Station, Campground, and several well-loved trails for visitors to explore.
Pass By: Prater Ridge Trail, Colorado
The Prater Ridge Trail crosses the Prater Ridge between Parater and Morefield Canyons. offers two hiking loops: the North Loop, spanning 3.6 miles (5.7 km), and the shorter South Loop, covering 2.4 miles (3.9 km). Hiking both loops completes the entire Prater Ridge Trail, totaling 7.8 miles (12.6 km).
Stop At: Knife Edge Trail, Colorado
This historic Trail follows the historic route of the Knife Edge Road and offers beautiful views of Montezuma Valley. This relatively level trail clocks in at around 2 miles or 3.4 km.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Point Lookout Trail, Colorado
Ascending steep switchbacks on the west side of Point Lookout, the 2.2-mile (3.5 km) roundtrip trail offers hikers magnificent views of the historic entrance road and mesa.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Montezuma Valley Overlook, State Highway 10, Cortez, Colorado 81328
The Montezuma Valley Overlook showcases the valley, Cortez, and is also a great place to watch the sunset.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Park Point Overlook Trail, Park Point Overlook Trail, Colorado 81328, USA
This short, paved walk leads to the highest elevation point in the park, and includes several overlooks, informational signs, and to the park fire watchtower.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Geologic Overlook Trail, Geologic Overlook Trl, Colorado 81328, USA
A short walk leads to an overlook and wayside exhibits, sheding insights into the area's geology
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Far View Sites, Colorado
This easy, .8 mile (1.3 km)hike includes several Ancestral Puebloan sites, such asFar View Terrace, Far View Reservoir, the Pipe Shrine House, and the Far View Tower.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Cedar Tree Tower, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
Cedar Tree House is an Ancestral Puebloan Tower Kiva complex just a few steps from the parking lot. The Farming Terrace Trail is a short, easy 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) that showcases some ancient farming terraces.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Spruce Canyon Trail, Colorado
The Spruce Canyon Trail is a moderately difficult 2.4 miles (3.9 km) point to point trail, starting and ending at the Chapin Mesa Museum. It's one of the park's best trails for wildlife-watching, particularly birding.
Pass By: Petroglyph Point Hike, Colorado
An absolute must-do trail, this The 2.4-mile (3.9 km) loop trail is moderately difficult and rock, with some mild scrambling at one end. It's more than wort it however, as hikers are rewarded with not only a stunning petroglyph panel, but also the remnants of an Ancestral Puebloan dwelling, and beautiful views of Spruce Canyon throughout.
Stop At: Spruce Tree House, Colorado
The Ancestral Puebloan Spruce Tree House is currently off-limits to in-site visitation due to structural instability, but visitors can still get a great view of the site from the balcony behind the museum. Extra-lucky visitors may also be able to catch a ranger program about the site. Check the museum for details.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, Colorado 81330
The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum is an essential stop for all park visitors. There, visitors can enjoy a film on the history of the park, several exhibits, and get information on ranger talks and tours.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Spruce Tree House, Colorado
If you aren't planning on packing a picnic lunch, consider stopping by the Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe for a quick snack or a hot meal.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Pithouse, Mesa Top Loop, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
The first stop on the Mesa Top Loop Road, an Ancestral Puebloan Pithouse built around 55o C.E.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Navajo Canyon View, State Hwy 10, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
This roadside viewpoint offers stunning views of the Navajo Canyon and the Echo Cliff House.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Square Tower House, Colorado 81330
This is the tallest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde--a 4 story structure. The overlook is free, but to visit Square House, tickets are required.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Pithouses and Villages, State Hwy 10, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
This stop allows vistors to appreciate the changes of Ancestral Ouebloan architecture over time, from the earliest pithouses to the more modern pueblos.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Mesa Top Sites, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
These sites show beautiful Ancestral Puebloan kivas and chimney airflow systems.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Sun Point Pueblo, Mesa Top Loop, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
This 30-room village was one of the last structures to be built by the Ancestral Puebloans before their departure.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Sun Point View, State Hwy 10, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
A viewpoint with a viewing scope overlooking several cliffside dwellings.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Oak Tree House, State Hwy 10, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
This roadside stops overlooks the 1250 C.E. Oak Tree House, a large cliff village.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Fire Temple, Mesa Top Loop, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
This overlook peaks out at the Fire Temple, which boasts several homes, a firepit, and a central plaza.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Sun Temple, Mesa Top Loop, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
Sun Temple, an uncompleted Ancestral Puebloan ceremonial structure, has been puzzling anthropologists as to its exact function since its discovery.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Cliff Palace, Colorado
Cliff Palace is one of Mesa Verde's most popular stops--and for good reason. 150 rooms and 23 kivas make up this cliffside wonder. Visitors to this site must schedule a ranger-guided tour in advance.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: House of Many Windows, Mesa Top Ruins Road Mesa Verde, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
This "House of Many Windows" is actually swissed by countless small doorways, which are often mistaken for windows.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Hemenway House, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
This carefully perched cliff house was built in the early 1200's as part of the larger Balcony House Community.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Balcony House, Colorado
Visitors will want to get advance tickets for this ranger-guided tour. The Balcony House is made of 38 rooms, 2 kivas, and a plaza. To visit, visitors need to be in relatively decent health, as they will need to climb through a small tunnel and climb several ladders.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Soda Canyon Overlook Trail, Colorado
This short and easy 1.2-mile (2 km) out-and-back trail is ideal for wildlife spotting. Along the way, you'll enjoy several views of the cliff houses dotting the adjacent cliffside. Be sure to walk all the way to the Soda Canyon voerlook for teh best view of the canyon.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Window to the Past, Cortez, CO 81321, USA
Wetherill Mesa's geologic overlook and picnic area is a great stop in the afternoon for a quick snack while you take in views of Montezuma Valley.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Fire Recovery Viewpoint, Cortez, CO 81321, USA
This quick stop is a great place to look for raptor birds soaring above the cliffs. Visitors can also read the educational displays explaining the area's fires.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: McElmo Canyon, McElmo Canyon, Colorado 81321, USA
This is the final roadside viewpoint for enjoying Montezuma Valley overlook along Wetherill Mesa Road and is another excellent spot for birding
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Rock Canyon Tower View Trail, Rock Canyon Tower View Trail, Colorado 81321, USA
The Rock Canyon Tower is a stop you'll want to pull out your binoculars for. The tower structure is located on the opposite canyon wall.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Wetherill Mesa Kiosk Trail, Wetherill Mesa Kiosk Trl, Colorado 81330, USA
The Wetherill Mesa Station Kiosk should be your first stop before heading to the Long House Trail. This informative hub, located at the end Wetherill Mesa Road, provides visitors with essential details about the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites in the area. Offering maps, interpretive exhibits, and trail information, the kiosk helps visitors plan their ideal route through the surrounding, intersecting trails.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Wetherill Mesa, Wetherill Mesa, Colorado 81330, USA
The Wetherill Mesa Sites include Step House, Kodak House, Long House, Nordenskiold Site 16, and Two Raven House. The hikes here can total up to or over 4.5 miles, if you visit all the sites. Visitors should prioritize Nordenskiold Site and Step House, as well as the by ticket-only Long House.
Pass By: Long House, Wetherill Mesa Info Kiosk, Colorado
This is the only Ancestral Puebloan site on Wetherill Mesa Road that requires a ranger guide to visit. This sprawling structure consists of 50 rooms, 21 kivas, and several upper storage rooms.
What To Expect
- Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
- Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
- Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
- Duration: 10 to 11 hours (Approx.)
- Departure Time:
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Shaka Guide: Mesa Verde National Park Audio Tour Guide
9/30/2024 - 12/28/2025Monday - Sunday : 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM - Return Details: Returns to original departure point
What's Included
- Tours NEVER expire
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup not offered
- Meals and Refreshments
- Private Transportation
- Entrance Fees
- Parking Fees
- Balcony House - $8 per adult
What To Bring
- Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
- Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
- A Smile!
Protecting you
Additional Info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
- Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
- Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
- Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
- Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
- The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
- What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”
- Operated by a business
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