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Hemenway House Overlook: A Window to the Past

Witness the ancient Hemenway House from this stunning Mesa Verde National Park overlook, a tribute to Ancestral Puebloan ingenuity.

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The Hemenway House Overlook in Mesa Verde National Park offers a distant yet captivating view of the Hemenway House cliff dwelling, built in the 1200s. This 26-room pueblo, including one kiva, clings to the canyon wall, a testament to the ingenuity of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

A brief summary to Hemenway House Overlook

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens for a closer view of the Hemenway House across Soda Canyon.
  • Visit between late spring and early December, as the overlook is typically closed during winter months.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of nearby Balcony House or Cliff Palace for a more immersive experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Hemenway House Overlook is located along the Cliff Palace Loop Road in Mesa Verde National Park. From the park entrance, follow the main road for approximately 21 miles to Chapin Mesa. Then, follow signs for Cliff Palace and Balcony House. The overlook is located between Cliff Palace and Balcony House. Note that the road is steep, narrow, and winding, so allow at least 45 minutes for the drive. Mesa Verde National Park requires an entrance fee, which varies from $15-$30 depending on the season. Passes can be purchased at the entrance or online. Parking is available at the overlook.

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Discover more about Hemenway House Overlook

Perched along the Cliff Palace Loop Road in Mesa Verde National Park, the Hemenway House Overlook provides a unique vantage point to observe the ancient Hemenway House. Constructed in the 13th century, this cliff dwelling is comprised of 26 rooms and a single kiva, nestled precariously on a ledge within Soda Canyon. From the overlook, visitors can gaze across the canyon at this remarkable structure, imagining the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who once called it home. The dwelling is named in honor of Mary Tileston Hemenway, a philanthropist who funded the first scientific archaeological expedition in the Southwest. Though she never visited Mesa Verde herself, her support was crucial in protecting Ancestral Pueblo sites throughout the region. The overlook is open from 8 am to sunset, typically from late spring until December 1, or until the first significant snowfall. To fully appreciate the details of Hemenway House from this distance, it's recommended to bring binoculars or a telephoto lens. While visitors cannot access the Hemenway House directly, the overlook provides an opportunity to contemplate the architectural skill and resourcefulness of the Ancestral Puebloans. It serves as a reminder of their enduring legacy and the importance of preserving these cultural treasures.

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