This is a huge, beautiful, and modern visitor center. On one end you can glimpse their archival…read moresection that preserves the artifacts found here and the research work going on. The other end has a bookshop and a small museum that gives context to the history of the area. Since the national park is so large, I had to ask a ranger for clarification to see what areas of the park were open. Wetherill Mesa is currently closed due to construction. There's also free wifi (you can use it to download the NPS app and get more information during your visit) and clean bathrooms.

Nice visitor center right at the entrance to Mesa Verde National Parks. Was pleasantly surprised by…read morehow large their visitor center was. Plenty of exhibits and information on the park and the Ancestral Pueblo culture. Perfect starting point to lay some foundation before entering the park. Everyone we interacted with here was so nice and friendly, more than willing to share what they know about the park and the culture. Nice little bookstore. Not the largest I've seen but has a nice selection. Plenty of clean bathrooms. Should definitely be your first stop when visiting the national park.

All National Parks are amazing, but it's rare to find one that has such a a fascinating…read moreanthropological history as well as incredible views and landscapes. We visited in Late June, and although it was warm, the heat was very bearable. Definitely recommend registering for a tour (don't wait - they fill up quickly!) while planning your visit so you can get a better understanding of and a close up look at the cliff dwellings. Also, be aware that some of the tours are strenuous so read the descriptions before making your choices. I knew what they were before heading to Mesa Verde, but experiencing it first hand and getting to walk on in the ancient dwellings really made it come alive for me. The scenic drive was incredible as well. So many beautiful vistas and historical stops along the drive. We were here for one full day and saw quite a bit - Cliff Palace, Balcony House (Both guided tours - check the website before booking since you need to account for travel time in between), and scenic drive with stops along the way. Loved it here!

I'm already planning a second visit here just due to the sheer amount of things there are to do and…read moresee. Wetherill Mesa was closed due to construction when I visited, and the season for the pueblo tours was not open yet, so that's already on my to do list. Exploring Chapin Mesa took an entire day to drive the loop, do some hiking, and read about all the different artifacts that were uncovered. I liked how there were displays about the different stages of housing and the evolution to the amazing cliff dwellings that the national park is known for. Definitely bring your binoculars to get a better look at the structures!

I had an awesome time visiting box canyon waterfall while in Ouray! I came with my husband and…read moretoddler children. They absolutely loved it! Great for all ages. The waterfall was a lot bigger than I thought it would be. It was super loud inside of the canon which made it all the more exciting. Check out both the lower and upper box canon falls trails. The lower falls trail gets very close to the waterfall, we were getting wet from the spray we were so close. The upper trail has a great view of Ouray and a fun bridge to cross that leads into a tunnel. It is $7 for each adult, but super seniors, military, and children under 4 are free! No dogs allowed in the park. I don't think the dogs would want to come anyway with the metal bridges and aggressively loud waterfall. If you are in Ouray in the summertime this needs to be on your itinerary!

Truly magnificent. The lower trail is easy for all levels, it has stable footing and minimal…read moreelevation changes, yet still offers beautiful views of the creek, and waterfalls along steel walkways and short trail. There are also stairs to near bottom of the waterfall. The high bridge trail is much more challenging, although one can opt to only climb the stair portion for a better view of Ouray and a little cardio. At the top of the stairs there is a small shelter, if you're feeling the altitude at this point it's a good idea not to continue further, as the trail continues to climb and there are no stairs/structure. There is a cable above the trail in sections for stability, and cables below some sections for safety. I'd guess the top of the stairs is a little less than half way to the high bridge. The bridge is a very sturdy structure, over a steep narrow gorge, the views of Box Cañon, the creek, waterfall, and town below are breathtaking. There is a hallway-like tunnel on the far side of the bridge, which is part of the perimeter trail. It's low in some spots but walkable, and offers some shade and cooling after the climb. The trail was drub when we went, it would be significantly more challenging/difficult with any moisture or icy conditions.

Telluride seems like a nice place but I never got a chance to find out. I was traveling through the…read morearea after 9pm in the between season and there was absolutely no place to stay. Out of a dozen calls, only one live voice. Verrry disappointing. Not even a cheap roadside motel.

Unemotional, uninspiring help that undervalue all of what Telluride is about. Just wanted to get…read moresome input on some local hikes.

Bottom Line: Welcoming and helpful staff, clean bathrooms, water bottle refilling station and…read moreplenty of parking. Upon arriving in Ouray my husband and I stopped at the Visitor Center. For starters, I like that the building seems to be an old train depot. We were immediately greeted by Patty and she was incredibly welcoming and helpful. She was able to answer all of our questions about sites, hiking, parking and stuff to see on our trek back down to Durango. Also, she did an awesome job juggling multiple visitors. After a long drive we also appreciated the clean restroom and place to refill our water bottles. Oh, and there was plenty of parking out back. I can't imagine a better welcoming to Ouray!

Stopped in at the visitor center on our drive through town as he wanted a map of the area. It's a…read morecute building with an upstairs and downstairs. There was a volunteer who got testy with me when I went looking for the locally made goods their signage seemed to advertise. Apparently I was wrong and they don't sell goods there. There's a spot to take a selfie with the landscape of Ouray - they have a picture hung where you can do that. And there's a lovely photo of trees with their fall colors as well. Lots of maps and informational brochures. And a water bottle filler plus restrooms. It's a good place to stop for information and to take a break.

Super nice Restrooms, plenty of information available and a nice Volunteer ready to answers any…read morequestions you may have. Great walking on grass for your four legged friends. For your little two legged friends there's an awesome splash area for them to run around in and it's walled off from the park next door. A must stop for kiddos while travelling.

Super nice Restrooms, plenty of information available and a nice Volunteer ready to answers any…read morequestions you may have. Great walking on grass for your four legged friends. For your little two legged friends there's an awesome splash area for them to run around in and it's walled off from the park next door. A must stop for kiddos while travelling.

Beautiful facility with great and welcoming staff! We were…read moredelightfully surprised once we entered. Originally just intending to get some maps and general information, we found it ourselves engrossed in the museum and history! The staff at the front desk were very helpful with our questions about the area. It's got a beautiful out back deck with a lovely river walk access! Stop in!

Free museum! Perfect stop to stretch out your legs if driving through or visiting Farmington New…read moreMexico! Charming little museum, snapshot of local history, petroliana exhibit is wonderful, river views from the courtyard, and great little gift shop, and traveling exhibits. Also travel info and local attractions. Friendly helpful staff. I loved finding this place and strolling around for an hour. Perfect family stop for the kids or to take a relaxing walk.

A landmark and solid stop along any journey through SoCo. Worthy of a detour if you're in the area.read more

I get so tired of reviews on our country's national treasures and history like this I have to give…read morea resounding 5 stars. NOTE drive to top is not hard. If you have ever been to mountains or skied it's easy. It's a gravel mountain road. To clarify as I was confused there is a parking lot w small visitor center aka cabin. This is where you pay your fee. They are building a new super nice visitor center to open next year. The ranger here at base was so nice. I mean amazingly and went out of her way to explain all. From the first parking area you drive to the upper parking lot which is the base from which you hike to top. I was fine at 62 and not in perfect shape to get to top. It's a gorgeous view and the ranger/helper? at top was wordy but very knowledgeable. Now that we live in Albuquerque will definitely go back as it's a short drive under 30 minutes from Pagosa springs. Final thought those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it

This visitor center has a playground next to it, so great if you have kids that want to stretch…read moretheir legs. The entrance takes you past a long wall full of brochures and pamphlets, and leads into the main area that has some displays of the Puebloan people. The front desk was staffed by a helpful person who pulled out a map and gave us recommendations on which pueblos to visit. Pretty welcoming!

Coming from out of town, I was tasked with hosting a meeting between Pueblo Community College and…read morelocal school officials. I scoured the internet and couldn't find a place with availability. I contacted the Chamber of Commerce who put me in touch with the Colorado Welcome Center. Right away, the communication was wonderful. They were welcoming with great suggestions and easy scheduling of the room. When we arrived, we were offered a room with beautiful lighting and ample space. We had the option to close the door for privacy. There was no charge to use the room and it was perfect for our needs! I appreciate the employees who made it happen!