The best walks and hikes in Montezuma County

Yes, but options are limited, especially in protected areas. Dogs are not permitted on trails in Mesa Verde National Park or Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. However, you can find dog-friendly trails in the San Juan National Forest. The Bear Creek Trailhead is a popular starting point for hikes where leashed dogs are welcome.

For a very accessible and scenic walk, the Park Point Overlook Trail — Mesa Verde National Park is a great choice. It's a short, paved path leading to the highest point in the park with expansive views. Another excellent option is Hawkins Preserve, a highly-regarded local spot with a one-mile accessible pathway and other easy trails perfect for all ages.

Montezuma County is renowned for its archaeological sites. Many trails offer opportunities to see ancestral Puebloan ruins. For an immersive experience, the Long House Tour and Loop — Mesa Verde National Park takes you past significant cliff dwellings. The Painted Hand Trail in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is another fantastic hike that leads to 700-year-old structures.

Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking in this region, offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, especially in the high desert areas. Summer can be very hot, so early morning starts are recommended. Winter hiking is possible on lower elevation trails, but be prepared for snow and ice, particularly on the mesas.

Yes, fees are required for the main hiking areas. Both Mesa Verde National Park and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument have entrance fees. Some specific cliff dwelling tours within Mesa Verde also require a separate, timed ticket. For the most current fee information and to book tickets, it's best to check the official National Park Service website before your visit.

For a more strenuous outing, the Knife Edge Trail and Mesa Verde Point — Mesa Verde National Park offers a longer route with significant elevation gain and rewarding views. The trails in the La Plata Mountains, part of the San Juan National Forest, also provide more rugged and challenging terrain for experienced hikers.

The weather can change quickly, so layering is key. Always carry more water than you think you'll need, as the high desert climate is very dry. Sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, is essential. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must, as many trails are rocky and uneven. Finally, pack some salty snacks to replenish electrolytes.

The Spruce Canyon Trail loop — Mesa Verde National Park is a peaceful loop hike that offers solitude and opportunities for wildlife viewing. It's a moderately challenging trail that descends into and climbs out of the canyon, providing a different perspective of the park's landscape.

The Point Lookout Trail – Mesa Verde National Park is a relatively short but steep trail that rewards you with panoramic vistas over the Montezuma and Mancos valleys. It's a great way to get a sense of the region's geography.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the unique opportunity to combine hiking with history, exploring trails that lead past incredible ancient ruins. The stunning canyon scenery and the well-maintained paths in places like Sand Canyon and Rock Creek Trailhead are also popular highlights.

While Montezuma County is primarily a high desert and canyon environment, you are more likely to find water features along trails in the higher elevations of the San Juan National Forest, especially during the spring snowmelt. However, large, prominent waterfalls are not a common feature of the main hiking areas like Mesa Verde or Canyons of the Ancients.

The most popular starting points are well-marked. In Canyons of the Ancients, the Sand Canyon and Rock Creek Trailhead is a major hub, praised by visitors for its beautiful and quiet trail system. Within Mesa Verde National Park, trailheads are located along the main park road, with clear signage for routes like the Prater Ridge and Spruce Canyon trails.