Step house is the only cliff dwelling that is open for a self-guided tour on the Wetherhill Mesa trail. Unlike other places around the park, the Step House shows two different occupations- one of which is the modified Basketmaker site that dates back to 626 AD. Another area nearby dates back to the early 13th century and consist of a masonry Pueblo. A series of 40 steps cut into the rock takes you to the house. You can see a series of rooms around, an old kiva with a structure that would be used to hold fire, footholds that are indented into the pathways and number of petroglyphs seen on the walls and the rocks that cover the trail.

The hike to the Step House is moderately challenging but is easy enough to take your children along. A few cliff faces have a ladder and much of the stone walls with windows and doorways, make it easy to imagine just how the ancestral Puebloans would’ve lived here. A ranger on the site helps you with any doubt and offers you valuable information on the design of the place.

• Carry bottled drinking water and wear sturdy shoes.

There is no admission fee for the Step House.

Admission Fee to the park for private vehicles (valid for 7 days):

• January 2 - April 30, 2018; November 1 - December 31, 2018 Fee: $ 15.00
• May 1 - October 31, 2018 Fee: $ 20.00

Admission Fee to the park for Motorcycle (valid for 7 days):

• January 2 - April 30, 2018; November 1 - December 31, 2018 Fee: $ 10.00
• May 1 - October 31, 2018 Fee: $ 15.00

Admission Fee to the park for every Bicyclist and Individual (valid for 7 days):

• January 2 - April 30, 2018; November 1 - December 31, 2018 Fee: $ 7.00 per person
• May 1 - October 31, 2018 Fee: $ 10.00 per person

Mesa Verde Annual Pass: USD 40

Admission fee to the park for Non-Commercial Group (based on vehicle capacity) January 2 - April 30, 2018; November 1 - December 31, 2018: valid for 7 days:

• Less than 16 people: USD 15 per vehicle
• 16-25 people: USD 7 per person (cannot exceed over USD 100)
• 26 or more people: USD 7 per person (not to exceed USD 200)

Admission Fee to the park for Non-Commercial Group (based on vehicle capacity): May 1 – October 31, 2018: valid for 7 days:

• Less than 16 people: USD 20 per vehicle
• 16-25 people: USD 10 per person (cannot exceed over USD 100)
• 26 or more people: USD 10 per person (not to exceed USD 200)

The step house is open only for a self-guided tour from mid-May to mid-October.

There is a ranger on duty in the dwelling to answer questions between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm.

Trail Hours: The Wetherhill Mesa (including Step House) is open Memorial Day through Labor Day:

• Early Spring- Late fall: open daily 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
• Spring: open daily 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
• Summer: open daily 8.00 am to 7.00 pm
• Fall: Open daily 8.00 am to 6.00 pm

• By Tram: Tram Terminus at lat, long 37.195850, -108.536943
• By renting a Bicycle. (The park accepts application for bike rentals)
• By renting a Car.
• You need to hike/ walk around the place to reach various spots around the park.

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Mesa Verde National Park before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Mesa Verde National Park and book an accommodation of your choice.