Prior to the park's establishment many of the archeological sites were looted. In order to preserve existing sites for future generations, hiking in Mesa Verde National Park is limited to the trails listed below. Chapin Mesa - Open year round, weather permitting. This is a fairly low-growing, open area and will be hot in the summer sun. This trail is a good place to look for lizards, hummingbirds, and a wide variety of plants.
Animal tracks are particularly plentiful here in the winter.
This area is open all year. Beginning at the Spruce Tree House trailhead, this 3-mile loop takes you to a large petroglyph panel. Beginning at the Spruce Tree House trailhead, this 2-mile trail is unique at Mesa Verde. The trail winds down, through, and back up Spruce Canyon. This is the only trail in the park where you can walk in a canyon.