The Geologic Overlook Trail at Mesa Verde National Park
near Mancos, Colorado is an easy 0.2-mile out-and-back trail that
features two overlooks with views of the mesa and the Montezuma Valley.
Walk
This short walk begins at the main trailhead for the Geologic Overlook and follows the universal access trail out to two overlooks. The first overlook is not much further than 100-feet from the trailhead and provides views of the mesa's northern slopes along with the Montezuma Valley below. The trail then continues along the top of the mesa's north rim to reach an overlook at the northern end of the trail, located around mile 0.1. This second overlook provides similar north and northeast-facing views of the mesa, Montezuma Valley, and distant mountains. After exploring the far overlook, the trail leads back to parking for a short 0.2-mile out-and-back walk.
Universal Access
This trail follows a paved and universally-accessible pathway throughout the entire length.
Parking
Hikers will find a parking turnout at the coordinates provided, located along the Mesa Verde entrance road. As of June 2024, the turnout is large enough to fit over a dozen vehicles.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Dogs are allowed on paved trails including the Park Point Trail and the Mesa Top Loop Sites including: The Navajo Canyon Overlook, Square Tower House Overlook Trail, Pithouses & Pueblos Loop, Mesa Top Sites Trail, Sun Point Pueblo, Sun Point View, Oak Tree House View, Fire Temple & New Fire House View, and the Sun Temple & Cliff Palace View.
Warning
Rattlesnakes: Mesa Verde is home to rattlesnakes that might be out basking in the sun during warm months. While encounters are rare, give any rattlers you find plenty of space.
Sun exposure: Due to the lack of trees and shade, this trail has a high exposure to the sun and weather. Plan to bring sunscreen to protect yourself against high UVs.
Walk
This short walk begins at the main trailhead for the Geologic Overlook and follows the universal access trail out to two overlooks. The first overlook is not much further than 100-feet from the trailhead and provides views of the mesa's northern slopes along with the Montezuma Valley below. The trail then continues along the top of the mesa's north rim to reach an overlook at the northern end of the trail, located around mile 0.1. This second overlook provides similar north and northeast-facing views of the mesa, Montezuma Valley, and distant mountains. After exploring the far overlook, the trail leads back to parking for a short 0.2-mile out-and-back walk.
Universal Access
This trail follows a paved and universally-accessible pathway throughout the entire length.
Parking
Hikers will find a parking turnout at the coordinates provided, located along the Mesa Verde entrance road. As of June 2024, the turnout is large enough to fit over a dozen vehicles.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Dogs are allowed on paved trails including the Park Point Trail and the Mesa Top Loop Sites including: The Navajo Canyon Overlook, Square Tower House Overlook Trail, Pithouses & Pueblos Loop, Mesa Top Sites Trail, Sun Point Pueblo, Sun Point View, Oak Tree House View, Fire Temple & New Fire House View, and the Sun Temple & Cliff Palace View.
Warning
Rattlesnakes: Mesa Verde is home to rattlesnakes that might be out basking in the sun during warm months. While encounters are rare, give any rattlers you find plenty of space.
Sun exposure: Due to the lack of trees and shade, this trail has a high exposure to the sun and weather. Plan to bring sunscreen to protect yourself against high UVs.
