Nestled in the serene landscapes of Cortez, Colorado, the Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour offers a captivating way to experience the region’s natural wonders. This 2-hour guided journey takes visitors on a 2-mile hike, showcasing the area’s remarkable native plants and geological features. Along the way, guests can savor local coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, complemented by a tasty pastry or snack. The highlight of the tour is a visit to a historic Ancestral Puebloan dwelling, where the knowledgeable guide, Helen, provides personalized recommendations for further exploration. Those seeking to enjoy the beauty and history of this remarkable region won’t want to miss this unique opportunity.
Key Points
- A 2-hour guided nature walk through the scenic McElmo Canyon with views of an Ancestral Puebloan dwelling over 1,200 years old.
- Complimentary local coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, as well as a pastry or snack, offered during the tour.
- Wheelchair-accessible paved trail and accommodations for accessibility and dietary needs available.
- Dogs welcome with prior notification, and the guide provides recommendations for further local excursions.
- Highly rated tour with a 5-star review based on positive guest experiences, particularly praising the knowledgeable and friendly guide.
Tour Overview
The Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty of Southwestern Colorado.
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Southwestern Colorado with the Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour.
Priced from €30.23 per person, this 2-hour tour takes visitors on a 2-mile guided nature walk to a Ancestral Puebloan site over 1,200 years old.
The tour is wheelchair accessible with a paved trail available. Guests can enjoy local coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and a pastry or snack while taking in scenic views from McElmo Canyon at sunrise.
The tour returns to the starting point at Hawkins Preserve within 2 hours. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Looking for more options in Cortez? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The Itinerary Highlights of the Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour include a 2-mile nature walk with a knowledgeable guide, offering scenic views from McElmo Canyon at sunrise.
Visitors can enjoy locally roasted coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, as well as a pastry or snack, while taking in the breathtaking views of the ancestral Puebloan site over 1,200 years old.
The tour returns to the Hawkins Preserve within 2 hours, and the guide provides local recommendations for other excursions.
Optional modifications are available to accommodate accessibility, dietary, or other needs.
Experience Details
Although the Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour doesn’t take place within Mesa Verde National Park, it offers a guided nature walk focusing on the native plants and geological features of the surrounding area.
The tour can be customized to accommodate accessibility, dietary, or other needs. Dogs are welcome with prior notification.
After the tour, the local guide provides recommendations for other excursions in the region.
The 2-mile walk takes approximately 2 hours and includes scenic views from McElmo Canyon, as well as a visit to an Ancestral Puebloan dwelling over 1,200 years old.
Reviews
Glowing reviews praise the Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour’s knowledgeable guide, Helen, who received high marks for her informative, accommodating, and friendly manner.
Customers Kelly and Brandon shared their positive experiences, highlighting Helen’s exceptional guidance and the tour’s overall excellence.
As one reviewer noted, "Helen was amazing! Very informative, accommodating, and friendly."
Another guest echoed these sentiments, stating, "Tour was great. We loved our guide Helen. Very informative."
The tour’s 5-star rating based on two reviews further underscores its popularity and the high-quality experience it provides for visitors seeking to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region.
More Great Tours NearbyAccessibility and Modifications
According to the tour overview, the Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour is wheelchair accessible, with a paved trail available. The tour also accommodates other accessibility and dietary needs with optional modifications.
The Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour is wheelchair accessible with a paved trail, and accommodates other accessibility and dietary needs.
Some key highlights include:
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Guided nature walk focused on native plants and geological features
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Dog-friendly experience with prior notification
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Local recommendations for other excursions provided after the tour
This inclusive tour allows visitors of all abilities to enjoy the stunning sunrise views over McElmo Canyon and the Ancestral Puebloan site in a personalized, comfortable manner.
Tour Logistics
The Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour departs from the Hawkins Preserve in Cortez, Colorado.
The tour lasts 2 hours and costs €30.23 per person. Guests can reserve and pay later.
The tour includes a 2-mile guided nature walk, scenic sunrise views from McElmo Canyon, and a visit to an Ancestral Puebloan dwelling over 1,200 years old.
Complimentary locally roasted coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, plus a pastry or snack, are provided.
The tour is wheelchair accessible with a paved trail available. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Local recommendations for other excursions are offered after the tour.
Local Recommendations
After the Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour, the guide provides local recommendations for other excursions in the area.
These suggestions can help visitors make the most of their time in the region:
Visitors can make the most of their time in the region with these helpful suggestions.
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Visit the Hovenweep National Monument, a 12th-century Puebloan settlement with impressive stone towers and archaeological sites.
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Explore the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, known for its high concentration of well-preserved ancestral Puebloan ruins and rock art.
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Take a hike through the Dolores River Canyon, offering stunning views and the opportunity to spot wildlife.
What to Bring
For the Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour, guests should bring a few key items. The 2-mile nature walk and visit to the ancestral Puebloan site require comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Guests may also want to pack layers, as the morning temperatures can be cool. Plus, bringing water, snacks, and any necessary medications is recommended.
| What to Bring | Why |
| — | — |
| Comfortable shoes | For the 2-mile nature walk |
| Layers | For changing morning temperatures |
| Water & snacks | To stay hydrated and fueled |
| Medications | For any personal needs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Conducted in English or Other Languages?
The tour is conducted in English. The website does not mention any other languages being offered, so it’s reasonable to assume the guided nature walk and activities are provided solely in English for this particular tour.
Are There Any Restrictions on Group Size?
The tour doesn’t appear to have any stated restrictions on group size. It’s likely that group size is flexible, though guests should check with the tour operator for specifics when making reservations.
Are Any Transportation Services Provided to the Meeting Point?
No transportation services are provided to the meeting point. It’s the responsibility of participants to arrive at the Hawkins Preserve in Cortez, Colorado on their own for the start of the 2-hour Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour.
Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour includes locally roasted coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, as well as a pastry or snack. This provides an opportunity to sample local treats.
What Is the Experience Level Required for the Tour?
The tour is suitable for all experience levels. It’s a leisurely 2-mile nature walk focused on the area’s plants and geology, with an experienced guide to provide information. Modifications can be made to accommodate participants’ needs.
The Sum Up
The Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour is a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts visiting Cortez, Colorado. Guests embark on a captivating 2-mile journey, exploring stunning landscapes, ancient Ancestral Puebloan dwellings, and enjoying complimentary local refreshments. With a knowledgeable guide providing personalized recommendations, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to take in the area’s remarkable natural and cultural heritage.
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