287 m away
Cliff Palace
One of the most elaborate cliff dwellings.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 718 m
- Ascent
- 30 m
- Descent
- 30 m
Soda Canyon Overlook
Gain stunning views of Soda Canyon on this short hike.
Hiking Easy
- Distance
- 2.1 km
- Ascent
- 38 m
- Descent
- 38 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 2.1 km
- High Point
- 2.1 km
- Gradient
- 2˚
This short hike leads to three different vantage points over various aspects of Soda Canyon. The southernmost overlook provides a vantage of the Balcony House cliff dwellings, and the center overlook is the eponymous "Soda Canyon Overlook." This quick jaunt is easy to tack on to any trip to Mesa Verde National Park, and the wide, gravel path is easy to navigate for just about anybody.
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Description
"The trail goes through big sagebrush, Utah juniper, yucca, and gambel oak," according to the NPS. "This is a fairly low-growing, open area and will be hot in the summer," they continue.
Difficulty
Easy
Walking along a well-kept trail that’s mostly flat. No obstacles are present.
Low Exposure
The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.
Remoteness
Close to help in case of emergency.
Best time to visit
Features
- Picturesque
- Family friendly
Similar routes nearby
2.5 km away
Spruce Canyon Loop
Hike through the bottom of a gorgeous, spruce-filled canyon.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 3.6 km
- Ascent
- 153 m
- Descent
- 153 m
2.5 km away
Petroglyph Point Loop
A respectable hike with stunning history—arguably the best hike in Mesa Verde National Park.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 4.7 km
- Ascent
- 174 m
- Descent
- 174 m
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Guidebooks in this area
6 routes · Hiking
See Stunning Cliff Dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park
63 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
The Most Famous Hike in Every US National Park
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