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
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
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.
"A must-see for understanding the full scope of Mesa Verde's ancient inhabitants."
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:
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)
Check Park Alerts
Always check the official Mesa Verde NP website for current conditions and closures. :information_desk:
Visit Early or Late
Avoid the midday sun and peak crowds for a more enjoyable experience. :sunrise: :sunset:
Mesa Verde National Park wasn't even on my bucket list but after our visit, I am encouraging everyone to add it to theirs.
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. :information_desk:
Visit Early or Late
Avoid the midday sun and peak crowds for a more enjoyable experience. :sunrise: :sunset:
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no concessions along the Mesa Top Loop. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for everyone. Consider bringing a field guide or downloading an app about Ancestral Puebloan culture to make the experience more interactive for kids. The vast open spaces can also be fun for them to run around (safely, of course, away from fragile ruins!).
🚗 Day-Trippers
+1Prioritize visiting the Far View Sites early in the morning to maximize your time and avoid crowds. This will allow you to explore the villages and enjoy the overlooks before heading to other parts of the park. Make sure you have your park entrance pass ready and a full tank of gas, as services are limited within the park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ancestral Puebloan Heritage
+1These villages, dating from approximately 900 to 1300 CE, showcase the architectural ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans. Structures like Far View House are particularly significant, revealing complex social organization and communal living. Walking among these ruins, you can almost feel the echoes of the past. It's important to remember that these are not just old buildings, but sacred ancestral homelands, and visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and respectfully.
For those interested in a deeper dive, consider visiting the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center before or after exploring the Far View Sites. Here, you can find exhibits and information that provide context for the archaeological discoveries, enhancing your appreciation for the cultural significance of these ancient villages. Understanding the historical timeline and the reasons for the eventual migration of the Ancestral Puebloans adds another layer to the experience.
Navigating the Mesa Top Loop Road
+1Key stops along the Mesa Top Loop include Mesa Top View, offering expansive vistas, and Sun Point View, which provides a different perspective on the canyon. The Far View Sites are a major highlight, allowing you to walk among ancient village remnants. The road is well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles, but it can be narrow in places, so drive cautiously and be mindful of other visitors.
Planning your drive is essential, especially during peak season. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the busiest times and enjoy a more serene experience. The drive itself is part of the attraction, offering stunning natural beauty alongside the historical discoveries. Remember to bring water and snacks, as services are limited along the loop.
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