Tour Description

This strenuous 2-hour, 3-mile (4.8km) round-trip hike is along an unpaved, uneven trail that descends 100 ft (30 m), and includes steep drop-offs, switchbacks, and scrambling up and down boulders. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, bring at least 1/2 gallon (1.8 liters) of water per person, and sun protection. This hike may not be appropriate for young children and for safety reasons this hike is not for children carried in backpacks. Each hiker must be able to scramble over boulders and navigate steep gravel trails unassisted. Please, do not bring any type of snack or food. Archaeological sites are vulnerable to damage caused by rodents attracted to crumbs and dropped snacks. Mug House Tour is available from May 27 to September 2 Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 10:00am.

Tour Details

• Duration: 2 hr. 00 min.
• Distance: 3 miles
• Number of Steps: 0
• Accessible: No
• Effort: Strenuous

Know Before You Go

Consider your physical health before joining a hike. Hiking is not recommended for those with heart or respiratory problems, or other physical difficulties. Elevations range between 7,000 and 7,500 feet (2134m and 2286m) above sea level. Weather conditions are quite variable. It's possible to begin your hike in full sun and end with a thunderstorm. Plan for all weather conditions. Bring a minimum of 1/2 gallon (1.8 liters) of water per person.

Accessibility

Mesa Verde National Park has accessibility limitations for people with vision, hearing or mobility impairments. Visitors encounter rugged terrain at an elevation of 7,000 to 8,500 feet. Steep cliffs, deep canyons and narrow trails can be a danger to all visitors. Persons with heart or respiratory ailments may have breathing problems at this altitude. Wheelchairs with wide rim wheels are recommended on trails

General information is provided below. For a more detailed explanation, use the following links:

Limited Mobility:

• word document
• pdf document

Hearing Impairments:

• word document
• pdf document

Visual Impairments:

• word document
• pdf document

Amenities

Spruce Tree Terrace Café: Located in a historic building near the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum and Spruce Tree House, this is a perfect place for a casual lunch or dinner. Dine inside, on the outdoor patio, or pick up a lunch-to-go and enjoy a picnic in the park. Open daily, year-round. Hours of operation vary seasonally. You may contact them directly at (970) 529-4521.

Metate Room Restaurant: Enjoy dinner in the nationally recognized Metate Room at Far View Lodge, offering wild game, fresh fish, and local organic produce, all with a contemporary Southwestern flare. Come early for breakfast with a view. Enjoy a gourmet continental breakfast featuring homemade pastries, fresh juices, shade grown coffee, and more. Relax atop the lodge in the La Mano Lounge and end your evening with a sunset, the moon, or under the stars. Open late-April to mid-October. (970) 529-4421.

Far View Terrace Restaurant: The Far View Terrace offers a casual dining atmosphere located just a quarter mile from Far View Lodge. There is something for everyone with a wide variety of choices from breakfast through dinner, including classic fare and local favorites such as the house favorite, a Navajo taco. An additional feature is the Java City Coffee Bar with lattes, cappuccinos, smoothies, ice cream, and our special house made Mesa Verde fudge! Open May to mid-October. (970) 529-4444.

FAR VIEW LODGE
The Far View Lodge is open from mid-April to mid-October. Reservations Online MOREFIELD CAMPGROUND Open Mid-May to mid-October Reservations Phone 1-800-449-2288

Directions

From the park entrance to the Wetherill Mesa kiosk is 27 miles (43.5 km) and takes an hour to an hour and a half. Meet ranger at the Wetherill Mesa kiosk at 10:00 am.