Mesa Verde's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Far View Lodge Views!
Mesa Verde's Hidden Gem: Far View Lodge - Views That Actually Matter (And a Few Hiccups…)
Okay, so you're pondering Mesa Verde? Smart move. Now, let's cut the fluff and talk about the real reason you're looking at Far View Lodge: those views. Seriously, the photos don't do them justice. You could spend hours just staring out at the sprawling landscape, feeling like you've stumbled into a postcard. That alone, folks, is worth the price of admission. And yeah, I’m going to wander all over the place in this review. Deal with it.
Accessibility & Getting There (and the First Minor Freak-Out)
First things first: Accessibility. They do have facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus. They try! But, and this is a big but, the terrain around Mesa Verde? Let's just say it's not exactly wheelchair-friendly everywhere. I’d recommend really checking specifics with their reservations team if accessibility is a top priority. On-site, though? Elevator, thankfully! Getting to your room shouldn't be Everest.
Getting There feels like you are going to middle of nowhere! But its worth it. Airport transfer seems like the best option, unless you’re up for a serious road trip. Free car park is obviously there, a major plus. Plus there's car power charging station! Brilliant. Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private]? Fancy! I always dig a quick, easy process after a long drive.
The Room (and the Unexpected Bliss of the Blackout Curtains)
Alright, the rooms. Non-smoking, thank the heavens! Air conditioning (essential, trust me). And… Blackout curtains! Oh, sweet, glorious blackout curtains. After a day of hiking, the sun beating down, a good night's sleep becomes a holy experience. And the extra long bed let you just sprawl out, the way you do when you are truly at peace.
My room had a window that opens. Don't underestimate this. There's a feeling to hear the air coming in, a truly primal thing… Air conditioning to make it a perfect temperature. Complimentary tea – a nice touch, but let’s be real, you probably packed your own. Coffee/tea maker is there, of course. Desk, Laptop workspace? Fine, I guess. But who wants to work staring at this scenery?
Now, a small hiccup: I wouldn't call the decor "modern." More like "comfortably functional." Some might say "dated." But everything was clean. And speaking of…
Cleanliness and Safety (Thank Goodness for Sanitizing!)
Listen, in the world we live in, cleanliness and safety are key. They seem to get that. The rooms are sanitized between stays, which is reassuring. They use anti-viral cleaning products and have daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. And they have staff trained in safety protocol. I mean, you want those protocols in place, right?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Where the Food Gets Real)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things get a little…mixed.
Restaurants: Yes, plural! There is a restaurant, and a coffee shop. Happy hour at the bar? Bonus points! However… the a la carte in restaurant menu isn't exactly Michelin-star material. Think more…comfort food with a view. The Western cuisine in restaurant is the main focus. They also have Asian cuisine in restaurant. They also got Buffet in restaurant. Poolside bar: Nice spot. Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential, right? Breakfast service: Is a good set up with Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast. Restaurants: They have the essentials covered.
The Experience: Views, Relaxation, and…Maybe a Missing Fork
I sat on the terrace for a solid hour one evening, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades I didn't even know existed. It was pure, unadulterated magic. Really, that's the heart of Far View: the views. But let’s be honest, I’m there for me, and I wanna relax.
Ways to relax: They have a Swimming pool [outdoor] and a Spa. Pool with view, perfect. The spa, well, I was tempted by the Body scrub, Body wrap and, absolutely, the Massage, but I was more interested in relaxing.
Things to do: They have a Fitness center so, if you’re into that, go for it!
Internet (and the Reluctant Relationship with Wi-Fi)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yep. It’s there. But let’s be real, it can be…spotty. Embrace it, disconnect, put down the phone, and look around, ok? Seriously, that's the point of being there.
Services and Conveniences (The "Oh, They Thought of That!" Moments)
They have a Concierge. I'll take that! Daily housekeeping a plus. Laundry service and Dry cleaning. Luggage storage. Honestly, they seem to have thought of most things. I’m a sucker for a good Convenience store too.
For the Kids (or, “Babysitting? Now THAT'S Intriguing")
They have a Babysitting service! I don't have kids, but seriously, that opens up possibilities! They also have Family/child friendly amenities.
Overall Vibe: Rustic, Relaxing, and Totally Worth It (With a Few Imperfections)
Far View Lodge isn't a sleek, modern hotel. It’s a bit…older. It’s not perfect. But those views… they’re the star of the show. They're the reason you're going, and they absolutely deliver. If you're looking for a place to escape, to breathe, to be surrounded by nature, and appreciate a world of amazing colors, then this is it. Just roll with the quirks, don't go expecting the Ritz-Carlton, and prepare to fall head-over-heels for the sunset.
Quirks
- The shower pressure in my room at times felt like a drizzle. No big deal.
- The buffet? It's there. I wouldn't say it's a destination buffet.
- One morning, I swear I couldn’t find a fork. Seriously, it was a small, but mighty first-world problem.
Let's Book It! Mesa Verde's Hidden Gem Awaits!
Okay, you're getting antsy, right? You’re picturing yourself on that terrace, cocktail in hand, the sun doing its thing. Here’s the deal: Book now, and get a free upgrade to a room with a private balcony overlooking the canyon! Plus, we'll throw in a complimentary bottle of locally-made wine and a late check-out, so you can soak up those views for as long as possible. Don’t delay. Spots are limited. This offer’s only around for a short time. Click the link below and get your Mesa Verde moment booked right now! Make it happen. [Link to Book Now]
(Disclaimer: My fork-finding abilities are not guaranteed.)
Unbelievable Deals at Toyoko Inn Kita-Toda-Eki! (Kawaguchi, Japan)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-coiffed itinerary. This is my Mesa Verde adventure, and it's gonna be a bumpy, beautiful ride. Far View Lodge, here I come (or, well, here I’m going… eventually).
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (and a Whole Lot of Sunscreen)
- 10:00 AM - Arrive at Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO): Seriously, the drive into Mesa Verde is gorgeous. The kind of gorgeous that makes you pull over every five seconds to take pictures, even though you know the pictures will never actually capture the sheer scale of the place. I nearly veered off the road trying to photograph a particularly majestic hawk. Note to self: keep eyes on the road, not the hawk.
- 11:30 AM - Check-in at Far View Lodge: Okay, first impressions. Far View Lodge, right? It's… well, it’s remote. Which, honestly, is part of the charm. And the views? Forget about it. Seriously breathtaking. I spent a solid half-hour just staring out the window, feeling overwhelmingly small and insignificant… in the best possible way. Room is basic, yes, but the panoramic views make up for it. Someone remind me to bring a better power adapter next time though.
- 12:30 PM - Lunch at Far View Terrace Cafe: The café. Okay. It's cafeteria-esque, but the food is actually… decent. I had a burger. Not the best burger I've ever had, but I was starving and the view from the terrace kept me from getting too judgey. The sun is relentless here. I already feel like a lobster, despite the copious amounts of sunscreen I slathered on (and probably missed a spot). Should've packed a hat.
- 1:30 PM - Visitor Center Scavenger Hunt (Attempted): I grabbed a park brochure and tried to "do" the Visitor Center. I got distracted by the gift shop. And then by a ridiculously cute squirrel. I think I saw something about a museum, but I'm already over museums and my brain can only handle one exhibit at a time, and the exhibit here is the sky.
- 3:00 PM - Balcony Cliff Dwelling View + Sun Bathing: Walk out to Balcony House Overlook, and then I just stood there, mouth agape. Those ancient cliff dwellings… they're stunning. You can practically feel the history emanating. I can barely imagine the people who lived there a thousand years ago. Then I went back to the room, and I laid out on a bench, I took off my shoes. And I dozed off.
- 6:00 PM - Sunset at the Lodge: Grabbed a cold beer, and went to the Lodge. I found a bench, watched the sunset. It was epic. Seriously. The colors were, like, painting across the sky, and it just felt… pure.
Day 2: Cliff Palace and Existential Dread (and a Near-Disaster with a Selfie Stick)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast at Terrace Cafe (again): I am still not entirely sure on the menu yet but I am getting used to it.
- 8:00 AM - Cliff Palace Tour: Okay, this is the big one. I booked a tour of Cliff Palace. They’re hard to snag, so book them in advance. I am kind of terrified of heights, but I’m also obsessed with the idea of exploring ancient ruins, so… here goes nothing. The tour was… intense. But incredible. I found myself struggling with the ladders in the sun. The ranger was super informative (and patient), but honestly, my brain was mostly just processing the sheer scale of the place. This is probably the best part of the trip.
- 11:00 AM - Spruce Tree House View: I peeked at Spruce Tree House from the trail. I've heard it is not accesible lately, but it is beautiful.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at the Picnic Area: I packed a sandwich because I am smart that way. I got attacked by a chipmunk.
- 1:00 PM - The Mesa Top Loop Road: The views from the top of the mesa are so incredible. It is where I first felt like I was just suspended in time, and I was there, walking through history.
- 3:00 PM - Balcony House. Again:
- 4:30 PM - Sunset Hike (or Attempt Thereof): I tried to do an "easy" sunset hike on the Prater Ridge trail, got a bit lost. Found my way back, but in the dark. Terrifying, but also… kind of exhilarating?
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at the Lodge A nice steak and a beer.
Day 3: Goodbye to Mesa Verde (and the Real World)
- 8:00 AM - Sunrise at the Balcony: I was an early riser, and spent my last morning waking up to the world and just watching the sun change everything.
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at the Lodge
- 10:00 AM - Final Drive out, with lots of stops:
- 12:00 PM - Fly out of DRO: Reflecting back on the trip, I feel changed. Mesa Verde is a magic place. I’ll be back. And next time, I’m bringing a hat.
Far View Lodge: The Views... *Whoa*
Seriously, are the views *that* good from Far View Lodge? Like, REALLY good?
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. Yes. The views are *that* good. They're the kind of good that makes you audibly gasp. I'm not even kidding. I'm a jaded New Yorker, seen it all, right? Wrong. First time I walked out onto that balcony, I literally tripped over my own feet, trying to take it all in. It's... well, it's like the Grand Canyon, but with ruins. And somehow, more… *intimate*? I don't know! It just hits different. Imagine a movie screen, but it's *real*. And you get to live on it. Yeah. That good. Honestly, I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it.
Okay, okay, I'm intrigued. But what exactly *can* you see from the lodge? Is it just… vast nothingness?
Okay, so it's not *just* vast nothingness. Although, the vastness is pretty darn impressive. You get this insane panoramic view. You're up at 8,000 feet, which, let me tell you, takes some getting used to. The air is *thin*. But the view… You see the Sleeping Ute Mountain, the vast expanse of the Mesa, and you know what's even cooler? You can see so many of the cliff dwellings. I mean, not *all* of them, but the big hitters are right there. Balcony House, Square Tower House (which is just HUGE, by the way, like seriously massive compared to the other stuff!), and you'll catch glimpses of some of the smaller, more secluded sites. I spent like an hour with binoculars one morning just trying to pick out features. It's like a giant archaeological scavenger hunt. Totally worth it. Just…bring your own binoculars, the lodge ones felt a little… dusty.
Let's talk specifics. Balcony access? Is there a *bad* room?
Alright, about balconies. Not *every* room has a balcony. That's the first thing. And you *want* a balcony. Trust me. It's a non-negotiable. Ask for a room with a view – they're usually the ones with the balconies. Now, a "bad" room? Hmmm... well, I heard some rooms face the parking lot. Avoid those like the plague. They're still close to the common areas, but you *need* that sunrise, that sunset, that staring-into-the-infinite-of-the-Mesa experience. Because seriously. That's the *point*! Otherwise, you're just sleeping in a slightly nicer motel room. Get a good one. You deserve it.
The food at the lodge's restaurant: good? bad? Worth it?
Okay, let's be real. You're going to Mesa Verde. You're not there for the Michelin-starred cuisine. The restaurant is... adequate. I mean, it's not *bad* food, but it's not going to revolutionize your world. Think standard lodge fare: burgers, salads, some Southwestern-inspired dishes. The real draw? The VIEW. Yes, the view from the restaurant is also incredible - you can see the same majesty out the huge windows! My first dinner there, I was so distracted by the lighting and the view I practically forgot to eat. (My partner reminded me. He's sensible like that.) I'd say, eat there for convenience & the experience and pack some snacks. Also, make sure you get reservations because dinner gets packed.
Any advice on the best time of year to visit? Should I worry about crowds?
Crowds… ah, yes. Mesa Verde gets busy. Especially in peak season (summer; spring break). If you can, go in the shoulder seasons – spring or fall. The weather is usually gorgeous, the light is incredible for photography, and the crowds are (slightly) thinner. I actually went in October, and it was perfect: sunny days, cool evenings, and the colors of the mesa were stunning. Just be prepared for potential weather changes. It's the desert, after all. Dress it layers, and I can't stress this enough: book your lodging (and tours) *way* in advance. Like, yesterday. Seriously. Otherwise, you might be sleeping in your car. And trust me, you want to be out on that balcony, not huddled in the driver's seat!
Okay, you've convinced me. Hiking trails nearby? Anything else to do besides staring at the view?
YES! Hikes! The Petroglyph Point Trail is pretty easy and offers amazing views and petroglyphs (the old markings are on the rocks). There are other trails, varying in difficulty. Do your research, choose something that suits your fitness level. Remember, you're at altitude! Pace yourself. There's also the Mesa Top Loop Road where you can see a lot of ruins from your car. And for the ambitious, you can descend into some of the cliff dwellings with ranger-led tours. Those are a MUST-DO! You'll feel like Indiana Jones, only maybe without the whip (though… I wouldn't judge). Beyond the ruins, there's a museum, visitor centers, and ranger programs. But honestly? I spent most of my time just… staring. And every time I did, I noticed something new. A tiny cloud formation, a fleeting shadow, the way the light hit the ruins at sunset… It’s an experience, not just a sightseeing trip.
Describe the perfect sunset from your balcony. Paint me a picture!
Alright, alright, buckle up, 'cause this is where it gets personal. The PERFECT sunset… Okay. Imagine you’ve spent the entire day exploring, your boots dusty, your mind buzzing with history. You’ve got a cold drink in your hand (beer, wine, whatever you fancy), and you're sitting on your balcony, wrapped in a blanket. The air is crisp, the scent of pine and sage filling your lungs. The sky starts to shift. First, a wash of orange and pink blooms across the horizon, painting the Sleeping Ute Mountain in fiery hues. The clouds, like brushstrokes on a giant canvas, explode with color. Then, the light starts to shift, casting long shadows that dance across the mesas. The ruins, so silent and still during the day, become silhouettes against the fiery backdrop. The colors deepen, turning to purple, red, and gold. You find yourself completely silent, just watching. It's so breathtakingly beautiful that it kind of hurts. (In a good way!) You know you'll never forget it, and you wish you could stay there forever. And then… as the last sliverThe Stay Journey
