Hemenway House View

The Hemenway House View at Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado is a short roadside stop that features views into Soda Canyon and the ancient Pueloan cliff dwellings known as the Hemenway House.

This is not a hike but rather a short walk to reach views of Soda Canyon. From the overlook, you'll find the Hemenway House cliff dwellings located across the way on the opposite side of the canyon. The canyon's alcove dwellings are named after Mary Tileston Hemenway -- a Boston philanthropist who used her fortune to support charitable causes, including funding the first scientific archeological expedition in the American southwest. At the time, cultural objects were often removed for souvenirs or profit. Hemenway's support provided for their careful study. Although she never set foot in Mesa Verde, she left her mark by helping protect Ancestral Pueblo sites throughout this region. Occupied in the 1200s, Hemenway House has 26 rooms and one kiva. Upper stories were added over time. People living here were part of a larger community with Balcony House and other nearby sites.

Universal Access
This trail follows a paved and universally-accessible pathway as of June 2024.

Parking
Visitors will find a parking lot at the coordinates provided along Cliff Palace Loop Road in the park. As of June 2024, the lot is large enough to fit approximately 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
Steep cliffs: This trail leads out to tall and steep cliffs.