Curious what it’s like to stay at Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde National Park? Here’s the inside scoop on how to book a room at Far View Lodge in southwestern Colorado. You’ll step back in time and see how the Ancestral Puebloan people lived. If you’re lucky, you might see wild horses and other wildlife during your stay in this historic park area.
Established in 1906, Mesa Verde National Park showcases the archaeological heritage of the Pueblo people. Built on the mesas and cliffs of Mesa Verde, Colorado, the park protects the heritage of 26 tribes who lived here. Imagine being able to stay overnight in the park and have this UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park all to yourself?
Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde, Colorado
Located 15 miles from the national park entrance, you’ll feel on top of the world at Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde, Colorado. I’ve had the pleasure of staying in a lodge within an International Dark Sky Park in Canada. The experience makes for sweet dreams. Not only do you feel special because you get to stay overnight in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a time to see the park with the least amount of people. If you are the type of person who likes to sleep overnight in an aquarium or zoo, you’ll enjoy an overnight stay at Far View Lodge. It’s when the animals come out to play.
While the Mesa Verde National Park is open all year long, Far View Lodge is open from April to October.
Guest rooms and amenities at Far View Lodge
Operated by Aramark Destinations, operators of hotels, parks and resorts, the lodge has two room types. With Kiva and Kiva deluxe view rooms, Far View Lodge consists of 150 rooms. The rooms feature southwestern décor and are much more plush than the kivas of the Puebloan people that you’ll see in the park. The beds are comfortable and the views stretch for miles – if you book a deluxe view room.
Rooms have air conditioning and a separate bathroom with combination bathtub and shower. The sink is not in the bathroom. Rather, it is across the way, immediately left of the front door. This is also the area where you’ll find the coffee maker. To the right of the sink and below the counter is the mini fridge. Handy if you like to bring meals back to your room or you are traveling with your own food.
After dining at the nearby Far View Terrace for breakfast, I opted to pick up a to-go lunch at the casual restaurant. Dining on my private balcony was a bonus with these gorgeous Mesa Verde National Park views.
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You may have noticed the Metate Room when you registered at Far View Lodge. You’ll want to make advance dinner reservations at Metate Room if you are staying during high season. This is the most high-end restaurant in Mesa Verde National Park. However, like all of southwestern Colorado, dress code is casual.
The wine list featured local Colorado wines, beers and ciders, as well as farther afield wineries. The ciders are an emerging industry. I enjoyed Fenceline Cider located in nearby Mancos. The evening I dined at Metate Room I tried the ancient grains salad, local trout with fresh vegetables and the donut bites.
If you are traveling with children or encounter inclement weather, take note of the recreation room downstairs from reception. The downstairs also has two computers and a printer. I found the complimentary WiFi service was fairly tolerable here.
A woman I encountered here was frustrated with herself that she had not downloaded her maps before arrival to the park. Those of you who enjoy reading on a Kindle or streaming movies, take note! There are no televisions in the rooms. Personally, I’m fine with letting the views take center stage.
While the lodge is pet-friendly, you’ll stay in a standard kiva room if you are traveling with your dog. You’ll be able to take advantage of these stellar Mesa Verde views when you walk your dog, or explore the park by car or on foot.
Parking is free at Far View Lodge. Hotel room rates range from $136. to $186. depending on the time of year. Check the website for special discounts, including senior and military rates. You can also compare rates at Expedia or Booking.com.
If you have time, sign up in advance for the 700 Years Tour offered through Aramark. The four-hour bus tour offered an excellent overview into life in these ancient times. Park guests may also do self-guided tours, but the Mesa Verde National Park Tours are excellent. I loved being able to climb into and out of Cliff Palace, an ancient Puebloan cliff dwelling.
Enjoy your stay in Mesa Verde Park.
Hotel review by Oregon-based travel, feature and food writer Nancy D. Brown. All photos by Nancy D. Brown. Mesa Verde Country provided support for my southwestern Colorado research trip.
