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Mesa Top Sites, Mesa Verde National Park
BEST
for
KIDS
ADDRESS
Mesa Top Loop Road
Mesa Verde National Park
Colorado 81330
Mesa Verde National Park
Colorado 81330
CONTACT
ACTIVITIES
Ancient Ruins
Mesa Top Loop Road - a 6-mile (10km) driving tour with short, paved trails - follows the Ancestral Puebloans as they make their way from pithouse to pueblo in roughly 600 years. Stop at one or more of the ten easily accessed archaeological sites and gain insight to Anasazi life. Enjoy views of Square Tower House, Sun Point and Cliff Palace from the overlooks along the route. And introduce the kids to two Anasazi peoples: Basketmakers and Puebloans.
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- Trip Planner
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Getting There
Mesa Top Loop Road, on Chapin Mesa, is roughly 6 miles (10km) from the Far View Visitor Center and roughly 21 miles (34km) from the main entrance of Mesa Verde National Park. Allow 20 minutes for the drive from Far View Center and 50 minutes from the park entrance. Follow the Chapin Mesa Road to the four way stop. Turn left and follow the signs.
- Map It!
- Google Maps
- Mesa Verde Map
- National Park Service
Getting Around
The 6-mile (10km) self-guided Mesa Top Loop Road takes roughly 1 hour. All of the trails are paved and the sites are easily accessible.
- Map of Chapin Mesa
- National Park Service
Hours & Times
Mesa Top Loop Road is open daily 8:00 to sunset year round.
Admission & Fees
Entrance to the Mesa Top Loop Road is included in the park admission fee.
Things to Keep in Mind
Brochures are available at various points along the route. Restrooms are situated at the half way point.
BEST
for
KIDS
A bit overwhelming for the kids
Submitted on 30 October 2007 by snowedunder from Monza, Italy
This self-guided driving tour of the mesa tops sites is a bit overwhelming with and without the informative brochure. Stopping, getting out of the car, walking to and from each site and getting back in the car wears kids out fast. Especially on a hot day. The shorter Step House trail on Wetherill Mesa was of greater interest to my 8-year-old daughter and 18-year-old niece.
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