Riding here
Mesa Verde's main road climbs onto the mesa from the entrance with steep grades, tight curves, poor pavement and no shoulders, so it's for confident riders only, and organized group rides aren't allowed. The friendlier option is the 5-mile Long House Loop on Wetherill Mesa, which is open to bikes once you get there; the 12-mile Wetherill Mesa Road itself is closed to bikes, so you'll need to drive up.
Where you can ride
Bikes may use established public roads and parking areas (except Wetherill Mesa Road). At Wetherill Mesa, the 5-mile Long House Loop and most trails are open to bikes.
Where you can't
Wetherill Mesa Road is closed to all bikes and e-bikes. Trails are closed to bikes except at Wetherill Mesa, and even there trails into sites such as Long House and Step House are off-limits. Organized bicycle groups are banned.
Rides
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Long House Loop (Wetherill Mesa)
- Paved path
- 5 mi loop
- Paved
- Easy
A loop across Wetherill Mesa to overlooks of cliff dwellings, shared with walkers and the occasional tram. Reach it by car; the access road is closed to bikes.
Start: Wetherill Mesa parking area
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Main park road to Chapin Mesa
- Road
- Entrance to museum area (about 21 miles)
- Paved
- Hard
A demanding climb with steep grades, a tunnel and no shoulders. The museum and headquarters area is about 21 miles in.
Start: Park entrance off US 160
When to go
Late spring to fall. Wetherill Mesa is open seasonally (roughly late spring to early fall).
Safety
The tunnel between mileposts 4 and 5 requires a white front light visible at 500 feet and a red rear light or reflector visible at 300 feet. Ride single file, far right. Watch for wildlife and fallen rocks.
E-bikes
E-bikes (motor under 750 watts) are allowed wherever regular bikes are; using the motor without pedaling is barred where cars can't go.
Fees
Arriving by bike, you pay the park's individual (per-person) entrance fee, normally valid for 7 days, or ride in on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Amounts change, so check the park's Fees & Passes page.
Rentals, tours and shuttles
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Your bike shop hereSample listing
This spot is for one rental shop, guide service or shuttle near Mesa Verde: your name, what you offer, and a link straight to your booking page, at the top of this section.
Feature your shop on this page, free until spring 2027
Run a shop near Mesa Verde? Add it here.
Sources
Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.
Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.