Mesa Verde itinerary

Question

I'm planning to visit Mesa Verde during the first days of October. On the first day we will do Cliff Palace and Balcony House. We will take the Durango Silverton train trip on our second day. I guess we will have some free time on our first day if we start early. I thought about driving Hwy 145 to Rico or even to Telluride. Not sure if it makes sense. Would appreciate any suggestions for half a day activities starting from Mesa Verde.

Answer

Visiting Mesa Verde National Park in early October is a great choice, as the fall colors are often starting to appear and the crowds are smaller than in summer. Since your first day includes Cliff Palace and Balcony House, starting early will give you some flexibility for additional half-day activities in the surrounding area. Keep in mind that Mesa Verde itself is quite expansive, and driving distances to other towns like Rico or Telluride can be significant, so plan your time carefully.

Here are some half-day options starting from Mesa Verde:

Drive the Mesa Top Loop Road: If you finish the Cliff Palace and Balcony House tours early, consider completing the Mesa Top Loop, which takes 1–2 hours. This scenic drive includes several overlooks, small cliff dwellings, and trailheads for short hikes, offering panoramic views of the park without requiring a long drive outside.
Cortez, Colorado: Located about 10 minutes from the park entrance, Cortez has museums, shops, and local dining. You could explore the Ancient Pueblo Museum or grab a coffee and walk around the historic downtown.
Hiking near the park: Short trails like the Petroglyph Point Trail or Soda Canyon Overlook Trail are accessible and can be done in 1–2 hours. These offer a chance to see rock art and scenic views without a full-day commitment.
Optional scenic drive to Rico: Highway 145 to Rico is beautiful and takes roughly 1–1.5 hours each way. Rico is a historic mining town with charming streets and a small number of local shops and cafes. If you start very early and are comfortable with a longer drive, you could combine this with a stop in the Dolores area for coffee or snacks. Keep in mind, this would take most of your half-day.
Optional scenic drive toward Telluride: Driving all the way to Telluride from Mesa Verde is ambitious for a half-day, as it’s roughly 2.5–3 hours each way. Unless you are planning an overnight stay, it may not be practical. Instead, consider stopping at viewpoints along Highway 145 or the town of Placerville as a shorter scenic detour.

Additional tips:

Check tour times for Cliff Palace and Balcony House; reservations are required and can dictate your available free time.
Fuel up and bring snacks if you plan a drive to Rico or beyond, as services are limited along the highways.
Weather can change quickly in October; bring layers and water for any short hikes or drives at higher elevations.
If your priority is minimizing driving and maximizing sightseeing, staying closer to the park (Mesa Top Loop, Cortez, short hikes) is most efficient.

In summary, for a half-day from Mesa Verde, the most practical options are completing the Mesa Top Loop, exploring Cortez, or doing a short hike nearby. Scenic drives toward Rico or Dolores can be rewarding but require careful timing. Driving all the way to Telluride is likely too long for a single half-day.