There is just one lodge in the park, Far View Lodge, operated by concessionaire Aramark Destinations. The lodge it offers 150 rooms in two styles: Kiva and Kiva Deluxe View, nearly all of which provide outstanding views of distant mesas and canyons.

Sunrise from a Far View Lodge room balcony, Mesa Verde National Park / Rebecca Latson

The Kiva rooms come with either one king bed, two queen beds, or two double beds and rent for $166 per night. Choose a special, if offered, and you can get the room for $20 less. In addition to handcrafted furniture and a balcony view, these rooms offer the standard amenities of coffee maker, mini-fridge, and hair dryer, along with AC and complimentary WiFi. These rooms are pet-friendly for an extra $25 per night, but pets cannot be left unattended in the room and Housekeeping will not enter a room housing a pet or service animal.

Kiva Deluxe View rooms run $176 per night and also offer balcony views (“unobstructed views” according to the website). You are paying for the unobstructed view as the amenities for a Kiva Deluxe View are the same as for the standard Kiva room. Pets are not allowed in these rooms.

A favorite experience is to relax on the balcony with a morning cup of coffee and take in the scenery.

The lodge is open only during the high season from mid-April into mid-October. It's recommended you make your reservations as early as possible - even months ahead of your trip - if you want to stay at Far View. For rates and reservations, call 800-449-2288 / 970-529-4422 or visit this site.

If you are unable to reserve a Far View Lodge room, there are other lodging options outside the park.

Durango, CO - 35 miles (56 km) from Mesa Verde

Cortez, CO - 10 miles (16 km) from Mesa Verde

Mancos, CO - 7.7 miles (12 km) from Mesa Verde