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Explore the Far View Sites Complex

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

0.75 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Haley Baker

Experience five different Ancestral Puebloan villages on a short, self-guided tour.

The Far View Community is located four miles north of the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. In around 800 AD, the Ancestral Pueblo people lived in this area for several centuries. They mostly farmed the mesa tops, but were also hunters. It was one of the most densely populated regions of Mesa Verde, and it is estimated that there were at least 35 occupied villages within a half-square-mile area.

Start out at the Far View House and explore one of the largest villages. From there, work your way to Coyote Village to get up close and personal with several Kivas. The longest walk is from Coyote Village to the Far View Reservoir, but it is shaded nicely with juniper trees. From Far View Reservoir head towards the Megalithic House to see what an individual family's home would have looked like in 1100 AD. The path continues back past the reservoir and to the Far View Tower. 

It's a great way to get inside the lives of the Ancient Puebloans, without having to try and schedule a ranger tour.  

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Family Friendly
Scenic

Reviews

This is a nice short but popular hike to see the ruins and kivas. This is a nice hike to be able to explore the ruins without needing to hire a guide.

It started out a little crowded, but by the time we got to the Megalithic House there weren't many people around. Definitely a good place to stop as you're driving through the park.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Hike the Cliff Palace Loop Trail