The Sun Point View Trail at Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back trail that leads to stunning views of ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings from 1200 - 1300 CE.
This is not a hike but rather a short roadside walk that leads to a lookout point on the western rim of Cliff Canyon. From this vantage point you can spot upwards of eight different cliff dwellings. Most of the dwellings sit in alcoves high above the canyon's floor -- the easiest to spot are the Cliff Palace, Sunset House, Mummy House, and Oak Tree House. If you look close-enough (with the aid of interpretive signs), you can spot more subtle cliff dwellings. These alcove dwellings were built by the ancient Puebloan people around 1200 - 1300 CE.
Parking
Visitors will find a parking lot at the coordinates provided along Mesa Top Loop Road in the park. As of June 2024, the lot is large enough to fit approximately a dozen vehicles.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on this trail and must be cleaned and cleaned up after. 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.
This is not a hike but rather a short roadside walk that leads to a lookout point on the western rim of Cliff Canyon. From this vantage point you can spot upwards of eight different cliff dwellings. Most of the dwellings sit in alcoves high above the canyon's floor -- the easiest to spot are the Cliff Palace, Sunset House, Mummy House, and Oak Tree House. If you look close-enough (with the aid of interpretive signs), you can spot more subtle cliff dwellings. These alcove dwellings were built by the ancient Puebloan people around 1200 - 1300 CE.
Parking
Visitors will find a parking lot at the coordinates provided along Mesa Top Loop Road in the park. As of June 2024, the lot is large enough to fit approximately a dozen vehicles.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on this trail and must be cleaned and cleaned up after. 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.
