Title: Step House Trail in Mesa Verde National Park | Expedia.co.uk [Step House Trail Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Step-House-Trail-Hotels.0-l6328172-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Mesa Verde National Park](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Mesa-Verde-National-Park.d6144764.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Mesa-Verde-National-Park.d6144764.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Step House Trail Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Step-House-Trail.d6328172.Car-Hire-Guide)[Mesa Verde National Park Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Mesa-Verde-National-Park.d6144764.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Step House Trail ![Step House Trail which includes heritage elements and a ruin as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6328172/0247fce2-0441-4b93-bb87-7758ac0257ee.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Step House Trail which includes heritage elements and a ruin as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6328172/0247fce2-0441-4b93-bb87-7758ac0257ee.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Step House Trail which includes heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6328172/807628ad-1fa8-40f1-87e5-70714d24d990.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Step House Trail which includes tranquil scenes and landscape views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6328172/71be7743-0a46-4575-8e5f-448e410166db.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Step House Trail featuring a gorge or canyon, heritage elements and building ruins](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6328172/021034e0-6cb9-4842-b96b-17f3dc1f7d92.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Step House Trail Activities --- --- #### This short and steep path leads to a special cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park that can be viewed as part of a free self-guided tour. Follow Step House Trail to a unique archaeological site representing remnants of two different ancient structures, from entirely different eras, located in the same spot. Discover a modified basket-maker site containing pit houses and a residential dwelling. Find both at the end of the 1-mile (2-kilometre) Step House Trail. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water for safety and comfort on the 100-foot (30-metre) ascent and descent. The trail is mostly paved. While strenuous at times, it is manageable for most visitors. Admission is free and visitors are allowed to enter and exit Step House Trail at their will. Learn about the ancient ruins at your own pace and without spending a cent. Some of the most popular sights here are the pit houses, which date from the year 626\. They are regarded as the forerunners to the later permanent residences found throughout the park. Look for the clusters of stones that form a set of steps and the accompanying ladder beside them. While there is no organised tour of the Step House, someone is always on duty during park open hours to answer questions and offer assistance. Ask the on-site park ranger if you have any questions about Step House. Combine a circuit of Step House Trail with exploration of the rest of the Wetherill Mesa, a part of the park known for having fewer crowds and a slower pace. Tour most of the sites in this section of Mesa Verde National Park in 3 to 4 hours. Find Step House Trail near the Wetherill Mesa information kiosk. Reach the trail by car via a 12-mile (19-kilometre) drive along Wetherill Mesa Road. Both the trail and the road are open only seasonally, so check opening days and times before you depart. Pay a fee to enter the national park. Admission to the trail itself is free. ### Popular places to visit ![Long House which includes a ruin and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6328152/b2540f8d-addd-4437-b530-2521a02ea851.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Long House 4.5/5(2 reviews) Considered to be Mesa Verde National Park’s second-largest cliff dwelling, this ancient structure is part of a very rewarding guided tour. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Long-House-Mesa-Verde-National-Park.d6328152.Attraction) ![Petroglyph Point Trail featuring tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6328156/74df640d-696a-4b21-bcf7-303e754d11ad.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Petroglyph Point Trail 5/5(1 review) Get a close-up view of ruins and fascinating native rock art on this hiking path, as you learn about the cultural treasures of Mesa Verde National Park. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Petroglyph-Point-Trail-Mesa-Verde-National-Park.d6328156.Attraction) ![Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum featuring interior views as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6328136/e77a2d29-49c4-4a53-b210-d79482a30e39.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum This fascinating museum depicts the life of the Ancestral Puebloan people through the use of intricate dioramas and prehistoric artifacts. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Chapin-Mesa-Archeological-Museum-Mesa-Verde-National-Park.d6328136.Attraction) ![Mesa Verde National Park showing a ruin and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621555471479/1555f12f-0495-4a7a-a1a5-f3960f248f8f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Spruce Tree House 4.5/5(3 reviews) If you have time to see only one of Mesa Verde National Park’s cliff dwellings, make it this beautifully preserved site, visible from the museum. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Spruce-Tree-House-Mesa-Verde-National-Park.d553248621555471479.Attraction) ![Far View Sites](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635919972617/7987161c-598a-4f44-ab99-aef54bf1f6f9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Far View Sites You can browse the exhibits at Far View Sites, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Mesa Verde National Park. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Far-View-Sites-Mesa-Verde-National-Park.d553248635919972617.Attraction) ![Cliff Palace featuring a ruin and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6328139/25079877-0a5b-445c-846a-643231009384.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cliff Palace 5/5(5 reviews) Explore this immense 700-year-old cliff dwelling, the largest and most famous ancestral residence in the impressive Mesa Verde National Park. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cliff-Palace-Mesa-Verde-National-Park.d6328139.Attraction) --- ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to Step House Trail [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6328172&startDate=2026-02-11&endDate=2026-02-12)[11 Feb - 12 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6328172&startDate=2026-02-11&endDate=2026-02-12) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6328172&startDate=2026-02-12&endDate=2026-02-13)[12 Feb - 13 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6328172&startDate=2026-02-12&endDate=2026-02-13) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6328172&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6328172&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6328172&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)[20 Feb - 22 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6328172&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026) ![Far View Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/180000/170700/170601/d9b3e8e0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Far View Lodge Mile Marker 15, inside Mesa Verde National Park CO [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cortez-Hotels-Far-View-Lodge.h170601.Hotel-Information) ![Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/9100/9074/d3b6737f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez by IHG 2121 E Main St Cortez CO [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cortez-Hotels-Holiday-Inn-Express-Mesa-Verde-Cortez.h9074.Hotel-Information) ![Ute Mountain Casino Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33020000/33019800/33019794/912e4bc0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ute Mountain Casino Hotel 3 Weeminuche Dr Towaoc CO [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cortez-Hotels-Ute-Mountain-Casino-Hotel.h33019794.Hotel-Information) ![Baymont by Wyndham Cortez](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/26100/26050/35045063_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Baymont by Wyndham Cortez 2279 Hawkins Cortez CO [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cortez-Hotels-Baymont-By-Wyndham-Cortez.h26050.Hotel-Information) ![Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/8000/7940/fcc36c9d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez 430 N State Hwy 145 Cortez CO [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cortez-Hotels-Days-Inn-By-Wyndham-Cortez.h7940.Hotel-Information) ![Retro Inn at Mesa Verde](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1310000/1305500/1305405/6dbda0db_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Retro Inn at Mesa Verde 2040 East Main Street Cortez CO [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cortez-Hotels-Retro-Inn-At-Mesa-Verde.h1305405.Hotel-Information) ![Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11310000/11308800/11308761/w3840h2560x0y3-b56b8e14_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez 2244 E Hawkins St Cortez CO [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cortez-Hotels-Hampton-Inn-Mesa-VerdeCortez.h11308761.Hotel-Information) ![Discover your perfect getaway in this spacious 3-bedroom home in Cortez, CO! ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/111000000/110280000/110274200/110274118/c315f40f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Discover your perfect getaway in this spacious 3-bedroom home in Cortez, CO! Cortez CO [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cortez-Hotels-Discover-Your-Perfect-Getaway-In-This-Spacious-3-Bedroom-Home-In-Cortez.h110274118.Hotel-Information) ![Super 8 by Wyndham Cortez/Mesa Verde Area](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/440000/439800/439793/dfe10ccb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Super 8 by Wyndham Cortez/Mesa Verde Area 505 E Main St Cortez CO [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cortez-Hotels-Super-8-By-Wyndham-CortezMesa-Verde-Area.h439793.Hotel-Information) [See all 247 properties in Step House Trail](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6328172) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.