Soda Canyon Overlook: Glimpse into Ancestral Puebloan Life
Hike the easy Soda Canyon Overlook Trail in Mesa Verde for stunning canyon views and a peek at the ancient Balcony House cliff dwelling.
The Soda Canyon Overlook Trail in Mesa Verde National Park offers an easy 1.2-mile roundtrip hike to stunning viewpoints overlooking Soda Canyon. The highlight is the distant view of Balcony House, one of the park's most remarkable cliff dwellings, without needing a tour ticket.
A brief summary to Soda Canyon Overlook South
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, 81330, US
Local tips
- Bring binoculars for a closer view of Balcony House and other cliff dwellings across the canyon.
- Hike in the morning to take advantage of the east-facing exposure of Balcony House.
- Stay hydrated, as dehydration and altitude sickness are common in Mesa Verde.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven.
Getting There
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Driving
From the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, drive south along the main park road. After approximately 20 miles, turn onto the one-way Cliff Palace Loop Road. Continue past the Balcony House parking area; the Soda Canyon Overlook trailhead will be shortly past the parking area on the right. Park hours are 8 am to sunset. Entrance to Mesa Verde National Park requires a pass or payment of an entry fee. A standard vehicle pass is $30.
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Walking
From the Soda Canyon Overlook trailhead parking area, the trail is an easy 1.2-mile roundtrip hike. The trail meanders through the mesa top pinyon-juniper forest to three overlooks at the edge of Soda Canyon. Stay on marked trails to protect the delicate environment.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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