Point Lookout Trail,
Mesa Verde National Park
The Point Lookout Trail is a strenuous hike that leads to the top of Point Lookout, the towering cliff that guides its visitors to Mesa Verde National Park. Although a short hike to the top, it is a strenuous hike none the less. Once at the top, the scenery is breathtaking, with views of Montezuma Valley and the small town of Mancos.
Elevation
The Point Lookout Trail has a maximum elevation of 8,423 ft., a minimum elevation of 7,909 ft. and an elevation range of 514 ft.
Metrics
| [ A to B ] or [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length 2 | Min Ele 3 | Max Ele 4 | Range 5 |
| 1.1 mi | 7,909 ft | 8,423 ft | 514 ft |
| [ A to B ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 6 | Floors 7 | Gain 8 | Loss 9 |
| 31 min | 41.6 | 499 ft | 20 ft |
| [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Floors | Gain | Loss |
| 23 min | 1.7 | 20 ft | 499 ft |
Calories
The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.
Topo Maps
Download the PDF Point Lookout Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
- Northwest Topo Map: Dolores West, CO
- North Topo Map: Dolores East, CO
- Northeast Topo Map: Millwood, CO
- West Topo Map: Cortez, CO
- Topo Map: Point Lookout, CO
- East Topo Map: Mancos, CO
- Southwest Topo Map: Wetherill Mesa, CO
- South Topo Map: Moccasin Mesa, CO
- Southeast Topo Map: Trail Canyon, CO
Difficulty
The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the Point Lookout Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.
FAQ
What is the length of the Point Lookout Trail?
The length of the trail is 1.1 miles (1.7 km) or 2,299 steps.
How long does it take to hike the Point Lookout Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 31 minutes in one direction and in 23 minutes in the opposite direction.
Warnings
Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
(cdc.gov)
- The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) may be present in this area. The American dog tick transmits Tularemia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
- The Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) may be present in this area. The Rocky Mountain wood tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, and Tularemia.
Footnotes
- Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
- Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.