Are you exploring the majestic Mesa Top Loop Road in Mesa Verde National Park?
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is a UNESCO site that is home to several excellently preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the world.
While the cliff dwelling tours are the main attraction for most visitors, the park has many more wonders to offer, including the Mesa Top Loop Road.
This 6-mile scenic drive will take you on a journey through time, showcasing the rich cultural history and breathtaking scenery of Mesa Verde.
Let’s explore this incredible road and all that it has to offer!
Also Read: Mesa Verde National Park Ultimate Guide
Where is the Mesa Top Loop Road located?
The Mesa Top Loop Road is located near the Chapin Mesa museum and covers an impressive 6 miles of paved road around the mesa rim.
As you embark on the drive, you will be greeted with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The road also covers some of the most significant archeological sites in the park that span over 700 years.
Here you will find many of the park’s most impressive ancient dwellings nestled in the rugged mountains as well as the earliest pithouses of the ancestral Pueblo people.
Why visit the Mesa Top Loop Road in Mesa Verde?
Mesa Top Loop Road is one of the best things to do in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado.
It has over 11 stops for history and archeology lovers.
However, the road is not only about cultural history of the area.
As you continue along the Mesa Top Loop Road, you will come across stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot some of the local wildlife, such as elk, mule deer, and black bears.
You can stop at the roadside pullouts to take in the views, snap pictures, or just enjoy the peacefulness of this incredible landscape.
Significant Mesa Top Loop Archeological Sites
Along the Mesa Top Loop Road, you will find 11 well-preserved archeological sites.
They are varied and cover different periods of the history of the indigenous people.
The road has plenty of informative pull-offs and overlooks.
You can see pithouses, multi story pueblos, and the famed cliff dwellings on the loop tour.
The sites are great to learn about the architectural progression of the ancestral Pueblo.
You can drive the road in one direction and a trail guide is available at the first stop.
An audio tour is also available here.
The road is open year round from 8 am to sunset and the drive takes about an hour at a relaxed pace.
The trails are paved and accessible, making this a great spot for all visitors to the park.
Here are the popular stops along this road.
Pithouse
A short 50 feet trail will lead you to the First Pithouse, built around 600 CE.
This is a small shallow rectangular depression sunk into the ground and used as dwellings by ancestral Puebloan people over 700 years ago.
The people farmed around the pithouses and grew corn as well as beans through dryland farming.
This is also one of the oldest archeological structures found in the park.
Navajo Canyon View
At this stop, you can take in the beautiful views of the stunning Navajo Canyon.
This site is also home to some unique pottery sherds that are over 1000 years old and provide an insight into the lives of the ancestral Puebloan people who lived here.
From the overlook, you can also see the Echo House cliff dwelling.
Square Tower House Overlook
Another highlight of the drive is the overlook at Square Tower House, one of the most impressive cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde.
From this vantage point, you can admire the incredible engineering skills and architecture that allowed this structure to be built into the cliffside around 1200 CE.
The highlight is the 4 story tower which gives this dwelling its name.
It’s awe-inspiring to imagine what life must have been like for the people who called this place home.
Pithouse & Early Pueblos
At this stop, you can explore the Pithouse Village, one of the earliest settlements in the area.
You can also see some of the oldest pueblos found at Mesa Verde, which were built between AD 1050 and 1150.
The site also includes the remains of early masonry walled houses.
This stop is especially great for those interested in learning about the earliest forms of settlements found in the park.
Be sure to take a few moments to appreciate these incredibly well-preserved sites.
Mesa Top Sites
The Mesa Top Sites is home to covered archeological sites.
Here, you will find remnants of 3 villages – built over each other!
You can follow a marked path that will lead you through different archeological sites and narrate information about each.
The villages feature masonry walls, kivas, and towers.
Sun Point Pueblo
The Sun Point Pueblo is a great example of the ancient architecture techniques that were used by the Ancestral Puebloans.
It was one of the largest and last mesa-top structures built before the alcove cliff dwellings.
You can follow the path to explore this incredible site and take in the stunning vistas around you.
Sun Point View
This stop offers a breathtaking view of the entire valley and is a great spot to admire the landscape.
You can see 12 cliff dwelling sites spread out before you in different stages of preservation.
It is incredible experience to imagine the vastness of the Mesa Verde civilization from this spot.
Oak Tree House
On the way back to the museum, you will come across Oak Tree House.
Built around 1200 CE, it is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings and showcases a unique design which includes many rooms built into niches in the sandstone rock face.
This impressive structure was home to several people at its peak!
Fire Temple & New Fire Temple
The Fire Temple and New Fire Temple overlooks offer fantastic views of the canyon.
You can also enjoy birds eye views of the plazas in front of the temples – elements which differentiate these structures from other cliff dwellings.
You can explore these sites and learn more about the religious significance of this site to the Ancestral Puebloan people.
Sun Temple
One of the most impressive sites you will come across on the Mesa Top Loop Road is the Sun Temple.
This massive structure is believed to have been a religious center for the Ancestral Puebloans.
The site is unique in its layout and has 4 feet thick walls.
It includes multiple sunken kiva like structures, grand plazas, and other ceremonial rooms that were used for religious rituals.
The intricate stonework is a testament to the incredible masonry skills of the Ancestral Puebloan people.
Cliff Palace View
From near the Sun Temple, you can enjoy panoramic views of Cliff palace – Mesa Verde’s most famous dwelling.
This incredible construction covers an impressive 5 acres and includes over 150 rooms.
Be sure to take your time here to appreciate the ancient architecture of this remarkable site.
Also Read: 14 Best hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park
Tips for Exploring the Mesa Top Loop Road
Before heading out on your Mesa Top Loop Road adventure, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Keep half an hour to reach the beginning of the loop road from the park entrance.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no services along the road.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the archeological sites.
- If you plan to explore the cliff dwellings in summer, be sure to wear proper clothing that offers sun protection and a hat.
- Be respectful of the sites and leave them as you find them.
- Dogs are not allowed on this loop.
- Follow all park regulations at each stop along the road.
- Make sure that your vehicle is full on gas before embarking on the loop.
- Lastly, be sure to bring your camera to capture some incredible views from this scenic road!
Mesa Top Loop in Winter
The Mesa Top Loop Road is open year round.
It looks stunning in winter when the landscape is covered by snow.
It is the best way to explore the park in the cold months when Cliff Palace loop and other sites are closed.
Exploring the Mesa Top Loop Road is an unforgettable experience that takes you on a journey through the rich cultural history and breathtaking scenery of Mesa Verde National Park.
If you are short on time, this road lets you explore everything in under an hour or two.
From panoramic overlooks to ancient dwellings, this road has so much to offer anyone interested in history and culture.
So if you’re planning a trip to Mesa Verde, make sure to add the Mesa Top Loop Road to your itinerary!