How Many Hiking Trails Are in Mesa Verde National Park?

Mesa Verde National Park is a stunning location for hikers, with its dramatic cliffs and canyons, and an abundance of wildlife. With a variety of trails for different skill levels, the park is an ideal place to explore. But how many hiking trails are there in Mesa Verde National Park?

The park has more than 40 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous treks. Some trails are short and suitable for families, while others are more challenging and require some experience.

Many of the trails have interpretive signs that explain the history of the area and its people. Hikers should always check with a ranger before they begin their journey to make sure they have the right equipment and experience level.

Mesa Verde offers several popular hikes such as Spruce Tree House Loop Trail, which is a short but steep one-mile loop that takes visitors past ancient cliff dwellings; Petroglyph Point Trail, which takes hikers past rock carvings made by prehistoric Puebloans; and Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum Trail, which is a two-mile loop featuring archaeological sites from the Ancestral Puebloans.

For those seeking a more strenuous challenge, there’s Prater Ridge Trail – an eight-mile round trip that takes hikers up steep terrain to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Chaco Canyon. The Knife Edge Trail is another difficult trek – it’s a four-mile loop with spectacular views of Mesa Verde’s spectacular canyon walls.

Mesa Verde also has backcountry routes available by permit only. These permit-only routes take hikers deep into remote areas away from roads and other traffic. Backcountry camping is allowed in designated areas with a valid permit.

So the answer to ‘How Many Hiking Trails Are in Mesa Verde National Park?’ Is: More than 40 miles of trails are available for visitors to explore at Mesa Verde National Park, including interpretive walks, family-friendly day hikes, challenging treks and backcountry routes (with permits). With so much variety on offer for all skill levels, it’s no surprise that this incredible park attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to take in its majestic beauty!

Photo of author

Alex Wright