Spruce Tree House: A Window into Ancestral Puebloan Life
Discover the ancient cliff dwellings of Spruce Tree House in Mesa Verde National Park, a window into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Spruce Tree House, the third-largest and one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, was built by Ancestral Puebloans between 1211 and 1278 CE. Though currently closed to direct access due to safety concerns, it remains a captivating site viewed from overlooks near the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.
A brief summary to Spruce Tree House
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, 81330, US
- +1970-529-4465
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Check the official Mesa Verde National Park website for current conditions and alerts before visiting.
- Bring binoculars for enhanced viewing of Spruce Tree House from the overlooks.
- Visit the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum to learn more about Ancestral Puebloan culture.
- Allow ample time for driving within Mesa Verde National Park due to winding roads and varying distances between sites.
Getting There
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Driving
To reach Spruce Tree House, begin at the Mesa Verde National Park entrance on Highway 160. The park entrance is located between the towns of Mancos and Cortez, Colorado. From the entrance, it is a 21-mile drive along a steep, narrow, and winding road to the Chapin Mesa area, where Spruce Tree House is located. Allow at least 45 minutes for the drive from the entrance to Chapin Mesa. Once at Chapin Mesa, follow signs to the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, where overlooks provide views of Spruce Tree House.
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Entrance Fees
All visitors to Mesa Verde National Park are required to have a valid entrance pass. A standard pass costs between $15.00 and $30.00. Alternatively, an annual pass can be purchased for $55.00. Digital passes can be purchased online at recreation.gov. Credit cards are the only accepted form of payment.
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Parking
Ample parking is available near the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. From the parking area, follow the signs to the museum and the overlooks for Spruce Tree House.
Discover more about Spruce Tree House
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mesa Verde Administrative District
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Unmissable attractions to see
Mesa Verde Park Headquarters
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Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
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Balcony House
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Hemenway House Overlook
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Long House
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Far View Terrace Café / Gift Shop / Mesa Mocha
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