Far View Sites Mesa Verde National Park
Explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan villages on the mesa top, offering a unique glimpse into history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Far View Sites Mesa Verde National Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan villages on the mesa top, offering a unique glimpse into history.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain to explore the sites. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Limited services at the sites. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration. :water_wave: :apple:
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Far View Sites
Mesa Verde National Park
Explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan villages, offering a glimpse into a rich past.
Far View Overlook
Mesa Verde National Park
Panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the vastness of the park.
Mesa Top Loop Road
Mesa Verde National Park
Scenic drive with access to various archaeological sites and viewpoints.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Past
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain to explore the sites. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Limited services at the sites. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration. :water_wave: :apple:
New Park Trips for 2024 have been booked, give me your advice! (OR->CA loop, Mesa Verde, RMNP, Utah loop)
Hey all, I'm pretty happy that I got 3 separate trips to parks this year and I'm joined by some awesome friends. This is what I got, fire away with any and all advice: May: * Mesa Verde x 3 days June: * Rocky Mountain x 3 days July: * Crater Lake x 2 days -> *…
Check Park Alerts
Always check the official Mesa Verde NP website for current conditions and closures. 💁
Visit Early or Late
Avoid the midday sun and peak crowds for a more enjoyable experience. 🌅 🌇
Mesa Verde National Park wasn't even on my bucket list but after our visit, I am encouraging everyone to add it to theirs.
Been a while that I was there but after a look on the website not much has changed. I'd suggest you go for two or three days. And do one of the ranger led tours to a cliff dwellings. Or two. The OP went to _Cliff Palace_, which is the biggest of the ruins and the easiest…
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain to explore the sites. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Limited services at the sites. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration. :water_wave: :apple:
Check Park Alerts
Always check the official Mesa Verde NP website for current conditions and closures. 💁
Visit Early or Late
Avoid the midday sun and peak crowds for a more enjoyable experience. 🌅 🌇
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the opportunity to explore Ancestral Puebloan villages on the mesa top. The scenic drive along the Mesa Top Loop Road is a highlight, offering beautiful views and easy access to multiple sites. Some find the sites less dramatic than the cliff dwellings, but valuable for understanding the broader context of the park's history.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Far View Sites are located on the Mesa Top Loop Road, accessible by car within Mesa Verde National Park. The park entrance is off Highway 160 between Cortez and Mancos, Colorado. Follow the park road to the Mesa Top Loop, and the sites will be clearly marked.
Yes, there are parking areas available at the Far View Sites, though they can fill up during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! The Far View Sites are accessible by personal vehicle via the Mesa Top Loop Road. This scenic drive offers many pull-offs and viewpoints.
Mesa Verde National Park does not currently offer a shuttle service to the Far View Sites. You will need your own vehicle to access them.
The Mesa Top Loop Road is the primary route for accessing the Far View Sites. It's a one-way road that allows you to stop at various archaeological viewpoints.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need a valid entrance pass to enter Mesa Verde National Park. The Far View Sites themselves do not require separate tickets once inside the park.
The Far View Sites are generally accessible during park hours. The Mesa Top Loop Road, which leads to the sites, is typically open from sunrise to sunset. Always check the official NPS website for current hours.
Entrance fees vary by season and vehicle type. As of recent information, a 7-day vehicle pass is around $30. Check the NPS website for the most up-to-date pricing.
No specific reservation is needed for the Far View Sites themselves, but you do need a park entrance pass. Some popular cliff dwellings within Mesa Verde may require timed entry tickets, so check ahead.
Mesa Verde National Park offers various passes, including annual passes, senior passes, and access passes for individuals with disabilities. Check the NPS website for eligibility.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Far View Sites include several Ancestral Puebloan villages, such as Far View House, Pipe Shrine House, and Coyote Village. These sites offer insights into the daily lives and architecture of ancient peoples. 
To properly explore the main Far View Sites and enjoy the overlooks, plan for at least 1-2 hours. If you plan to drive the entire Mesa Top Loop, allocate more time.
Some areas around the Far View Sites have paved paths, but exploring the actual archaeological structures may involve uneven terrain and stairs. The overlooks are generally accessible.
No, climbing on or disturbing the ancient structures is strictly prohibited to preserve them for future generations. Stay on marked trails.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Binoculars can enhance your viewing experience of the distant structures.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlooks along the Mesa Top Loop Road offer stunning panoramic views. The sites themselves provide unique perspectives of the ancient architecture against the natural landscape.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Drone usage is prohibited in all National Parks, including Mesa Verde, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience.
Photography is generally allowed at the Far View Sites, but always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography inside any enclosed structures if permitted.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and village layouts. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on distant structures.
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