Mesa Verde National Park

11/01/2026

Mesa Verde National Park is closed: 11/01/2026.

Today, November 1, 2026, all of Mesa Verde National Park is closed to vehicle and foot traffic due to current and forecasted weather conditions. This closure includes all roads, visitor centers, and other facilities. All additional updates will be posted to the park's condition and alerts webpage: https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

Photo description: The words "Park Alert" to the right of a National Park Service arrowhead shaped symbol. All is outlined by a black box.

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

09/28/2026

What better place to explore the night sky than an International Dark Sky Park?

Join us at the Morefield Amphitheater every Wednesday through October 14 for a ranger-led night sky program!

🔭 Program begins at 8:00pm

🌠 Mesa Verde was the 100th Dark Sky Park, and if weather permits, we will have telescopes out and we should be able to see some excellent stars, have fun, and learn while we do it!

💫 Bring warm layers, a flashlight (red light preferred), and your curiosity💫

⭐ This program is free and open to all ages!

Photo description:
The Milky Way soars above Point Lookout, a silhouetted flat-topped butte. Many, many stars are visible. NPS/Jacob W. Frank

07/23/2026

Today, July 23, 2026, Mesa Verde entered Stage 1 fire restrictions after rescinding Stage 2 restrictions previously in place. Campfires are again allowed in Morefield Campground in established pits and grills. Remember that reduced fire danger does not mean no fire danger. If you choose to have fire, please stay aware of the weather and your surroundings, and always be sure your fire is attended. When you leave, check that the fire is dead out.

Remember:
- Campfires and charcoal fires are only allowed in Morefield Campground in the provided pits and grills.
- Do not discharge or use any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices. They are always prohibited.

For more information on current conditions at Mesa Verde, visit https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

Photo Description: Black text that reads "Fire Restrictions" to the right of a National Park Service Arrowhead symbol. All is surrounded by a black box.

07/08/2026

Wetherill Mesa will reopen tomorrow, July 9, 2026. This includes the reopening of the Long House and Step House cliff dwellings.

Fire suppression efforts have gone well, with very little change in the fire’s footprint and minimal observed fire behavior. Thank you to all the fire personnel who have helped!

We're excited to welcome visitors back to Wetherill Mesa! While the area has reopened, fire personnel may still be working nearby. Please avoid stopping along roadways, be aware of emergency vehicles and personnel, and help keep traffic moving so fire operations can continue safely. Thank you for helping our firefighters while you enjoy the park.

Image Description: A National Park Service arrowhead symbol with a tree, mountain, and bison. To the right of the arrowhead is the text "Park Alert."

07/07/2026

Wetherill Mesa Area Closed: 7/7/26

Wetherill Mesa is closed due to the detection of a wildland fire. Fire professionals are assessing the situation. Most of the park is currently open including the Main Park Road, Chapin Mesa, Mesa Top Loop, and Cliff Palace Loop. Current closures include Long House and Step House. When more information becomes available, it will be posted on the nps.gov/meve.

Image Description: A National Park Service arrowhead symbol with a tree, mountain and bison. To the right of the arrowhead is the text "Park Alert."

07/06/2026

Mesa Verde National Park, an International Dark Sky Park, is excited to host three free beginner astrophotography workshops in July 2026. Join astrophotographer Don Riddle to learn how to take photos of the Milky Way.

The workshops will be held on the nights of Tuesday, July 14 (this date is full - waitlist only); Wednesday, July 15; and Thursday, July 16. Each night is a stand-alone workshop and begins at 7:15pm near the park entrance. The workshop location has an excellent view of the Milky Way!

The workshops begin in daylight to get you familiar with your camera settings and then continues as the sun sets and the Milky Way rises above. The evening finishes around midnight. An optional drop-in session will be held the following day, indoors, to learn how to edit your photos.

The following equipment is required for participants:

Required
• Camera with ISO up to 6400 available (DSLR or mirrorless, please)
• Wide angle lens 50mm or less (stock lenses are ok, f stop lower than 3.2 is preferred)
• Sturdy tripod
• Red light headlamp
• Manual for your camera, either printed or downloaded to your phone – in case we need to look up camera settings
• Warm clothes
• Camp chair - there is no seating available at workshop location
• Extra Memory card
• Thumb drive

Recommended
• Remote shutter
• Extra batteries
• Water and snacks
• Bring warm clothing – it gets cool in Colorado at night!

Remember, this is a late-night workshop - please arrive well-rested!

Registration for this free workshop is required and is limited to 15 participants per workshop. Registration link on Mesa Verde National Park webpage:

https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/stargazing.htm

Photo: NPS/Jacob W. Frank
Photo description: Our galaxy -the Milky Way- a large collection of stars and stellar gases, stretches across a dark sky full of stars. The horizon is a large mesa and wooded foothills with a faint glow.

07/02/2026

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Begin July 3 at Mesa Verde National Park & Yucca House National Monument

Due to current and predicted weather and fuel conditions—and current elevated fire danger—Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will take effect on July 3, 2026.

Under Stage 2 restrictions:
🚫 All fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves. This includes having no campfires in Morefield Campground
🚫 No Outdoor Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.
🚫No Fireworks or other explosives or incendiary devices. They are never allowed on public lands.
✔️ Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) devices (stoves, lanterns, heaters) that can be turned on and off are allowed only if UL Listed and used in an area cleared of all flammable materials for at least 3 feet around and above the device.

These measures help protect the park, surrounding communities, and visitors during heightened fire danger.

Other prohibitions are in effect in Stage 2 restrictions. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

07/01/2026

🎉 Join Us This Weekend at Mesa Verde! 🎉

We’re excited to welcome everyone to the Annual Indigenous Art & Culture Festival this Saturday and Sunday, co‑hosted by Mesa Verde National Park and the Mesa Verde Association!

Come enjoy incredible art, dance, stories, and cultural demonstrations from talented artists and knowledge‑keepers across affiliated Pueblos and Tribes.

📍 Saturday, July 4 – Visitor & Research Center
• Indigenous Art Market featuring 35 booths — pottery, jewelry, weaving, prints, graphic tees, and more!
• Hopi Dances by the Lomayestewa Family at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm

📍 Sunday, July 5 – Museum & Chapin Amphitheater
• Cultural Demonstrations
• 9:00am: Traditional clothing with Frances Abeita
• 9:30am: Jewelry & paintings with Venaya Yazzie
• 10:00am: Micaceous pottery with Glenn Gomez
• 10:30am: Gourd & wood earrings with Dannae Mahapae
• 1:00pm: Acoma storytelling with Robert Torres
• 1:30pm: Traditional beadwork with Saturn Lopez
• Hopi Dances by the Lomayestewa Family at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm.

We hope to see you there!

Image Credit: Design courtesy of Dwight Honyouti for the Mesa Verde Association

Photo Description: A round logo for the Festival, depicting a sun rising above a mesa, rays spreading behind the clouds, with traditional geometric designs in the sky and below the mesa. Around it is the text "Indigenous Arts & Culture Festival 2026"

06/01/2026

Mesa Verde National Park, an International Dark Sky Park, is excited to host three free beginner astrophotography workshops in July 2026. Join astrophotographer Don Riddle to learn how to take photos of the Milky Way.
The workshops will be held on the nights of Tuesday, July 14; Wednesday, July 15; and Thursday, July 16. Each night is a stand-alone workshop and begins at 7:15pm near the park entrance. The workshop location has an excellent view of the Milky Way!

The workshops begin in daylight to get you familiar with your camera settings and then continues as the sun sets and the Milky Way rises above. The evening finishes around midnight. An optional drop-in session will be held the following day, indoors, to learn how to edit your photos.

The following equipment is required for participants:

Required
• Camera with ISO up to 6400 available (DSLR or mirrorless, please)
• Wide angle lens 50mm or less (stock lenses are ok, f stop lower than 3.2 is preferred)
• Sturdy tripod
• Red light headlamp
• Warm clothes
• Camp chair - there is no seating available at workshop location
• Extra Memory card
• Thumb drive

Recommended
• Remote shutter
• Extra batteries
• Water and snacks
• Bring warm clothing – it gets cool in Colorado at night!

Remember, this is a late-night workshop - please arrive well-rested!

Registration for this free workshop is required and is limited to 15 participants per workshop. Registration link on Mesa Verde National Park webpage:

https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/stargazing.htm

Photo: NPS/Jacob W. Frank
Photo description: Our galaxy -the Milky Way- a large collection of stars and stellar gases, stretches across a dark sky full of stars. The horizon is a large mesa and wooded foothills with a faint glow.

05/05/2026

Meet Mesa! The Denali sled dog puppy named after Mesa Verde National Park!