Details
Distance
4.6 miles
Elevation Gain
351 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
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Added by The Outbound Collective
Mesa Top Loop Road in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, is a must-visit for those seeking outdoor adventure. This 4.6-mile loop road offers a variety of hiking trails, each with its unique features. The trail is moderately difficult, making it suitable for hikers with some experience. The trail is known for its unique rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It also features several overlooks, providing hikers with opportunities to take in the stunning views of the park. The trail passes by several ancient Puebloan sites, including the Sun Point View, which offers a view of Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Hikers are advised to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trail can be steep and rocky in places. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. Remember to respect the park's rules and leave no trace.
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Forest
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Leave No Trace
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Nearby
Hike the Petroglyph Point Trail
Pick up a trail brochure for information on the interpretive signs. There are some steep and narrow portions of the trail, so make sure everyone in your party is of able physical capability.
Hike the Spruce Canyon Trail
The Spruce Canyon trail is very well taken care of. The trail begin with a descent into Spruce Tree Canyon and then follows a stream for 3/4 of a mile before climbing a side canyon back up to the ridge. The trailhead is located on the Chapin Mesa within Mesa Verde National Park. The trail is open for use year round.
Explore Mesa Top Loop
The 6-mile Mesa Top Loop Road, open 8 am to sunset, stops at 12 sites including surface ruins and cliff dwelling overlooks. The most famous feature of the park, Cliff Palace, is visible from the Sun Point and Sun Temple overlooks. Sunrise photography isn't possible on the loop due to operating hours, but stunning sunsets can be captured from the cliff trails before the road closes.
Hike the Cliff Palace Loop Trail
Tickets for this tour are $4 per person and are available at the visitor center near the entrance of the park. This tour is best taken from April to November. This hike features The milky way is often visible from the top of Mesa Verde at night.
This one-hour, ranger-guided tour involves climbing five, 8-10ft ladders, on a 100ft vertical climb. Total walking distance is 1/4-mile round-trip.
Explore Balcony House
Starting at the trail head at 7,000 feet, you will head down the trail until you get to the cliff dwellings. There will be a wooden ladder you will have to climb, a recreation of the ladder used hundreds of years ago by the tribes living there. Once you get to the top of the ladder, the trail will continue under the cliff and through the once used living area. You will then hit the tunnel where...
Hike to Long House and Step House at Mesa Verde National Park
This is a great opportunity to see two historic cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park within a relatively short period of time. Schedule your day around getting tickets to Long House, then taking a bit of a side trek to the Step House when you have the time. The tour begins at the Weatherhill Mesa information kiosk, and is a two hour ranger-guided excursion. You will learn all about the h...
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