Far View Reservoir, Uncompahgre Plateau Travel Guide

Far View Reservoir, nestled within the Far View Sites of Mesa Verde National Park, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans. Constructed around 950 AD, this mesa-top reservoir was a vital component of the Far View community's water management system. The Far View area was populated from 800 to 1300 AD, with the structures predating the famous cliff dwellings by at least 200 years.Archaeologists have long debated the reservoir's primary function, questioning whether it served practical water storage purposes or held religious significance. Recent studies suggest that the reservoir was essential for supplying the community with domestic water, supplementing rooftop water collection. The Ancestral Puebloans harvested water by channeling runoff into the reservoir using ditches. Deforestation and packed ground surfaces increased the amount of water runoff. Maize pollen found in soil samples indicates that the watershed was also used for agriculture.Today, visitors can explore the Far View Reservoir along a 0.75-mile loop trail that winds through the Far View Sites. This self-guided tour offers a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who once thrived in this remarkable mesa-top community.