Square Tower House, Mesa Verde National Park Travel Guide

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Discover the architectural marvel of Square Tower House, Mesa Verde's tallest and best-preserved cliff dwelling, showcasing Ancestral Puebloan ingenuity.

Square Tower House, nestled in Mesa Verde National Park, is an exceptionally well-preserved cliff dwelling showcasing the ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans. Featuring the park's tallest standing structure, an intact kiva roof, and remarkable rock art, it offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of its builders who resided here between 1205 and 1281 AD.

A brief summary to Square Tower House

Mesa Top Loop, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, 81330, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Square Tower House.

Reservations for the ranger-led tour are essential and can be made on Recreation.gov up to 14 days in advance. These tours often sell out quickly.
Arrive at the Square Tower House trailhead 15 minutes early for a safety briefing before your tour.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and bring at least 2 quarts (2 liters) of water per person for the ranger-led tour.
Consider parking at the Navajo Canyon Overlook on the Mesa Top Loop if parking is limited at the Square Tower House trailhead.

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Getting There

Driving

From the Mesa Verde National Park entrance, drive 20 miles to the all-way stop on Chapin Mesa. Turn left towards the Mesa Top Loop and drive 1.9 miles to the Square Tower House parking area. Allow 75 minutes to drive from the park entrance to the trailhead. Park entrance fees range from $15-$30. A ranger-led tour of Square Tower House costs $25 per person.
Walking

If parking is full at the Square Tower House trailhead, consider parking at the nearby Navajo Canyon Overlook on the Mesa Top Loop, from which Square Tower House is a short walk. Follow the paved path from the parking area to the Square Tower House Overlook Trail. The Square Tower House dwellings are located below your feet and to the right-hand side and can't be missed.

Discover more about Square Tower House

Square Tower House stands as one of Mesa Verde National Park's most remarkable and best-preserved cliff dwellings. This architectural gem, constructed by the Ancestral Puebloans, features the tallest standing structure in the park, a four-story, 27-foot tower. The dwelling also boasts an intact kiva roof, a rare find, along with original plaster, paint, and plentiful rock art, offering a unique window into the past.Visitors can appreciate the site's cultural significance, recognizing the Ancestral Puebloans' skills in blending art, architecture, and nature. The meticulous construction and artistic details suggest a society that valued both practicality and aesthetics. The Square Tower House is thought to have been built and used during the years from 1200 to 1300 AD. About 60 of the original 80 rooms are still standing. There is a seep spring below the alcove that provided water. Square Tower House was built at the height of the region's population when their numbers were beginning to negatively impact the area's resources.To experience Square Tower House up close, adventurous visitors can book a ranger-led tour that involves hiking along steep, uneven trails, navigating switchbacks, climbing ladders, and scrambling over boulders. For those preferring a less strenuous experience, an overlook on the Mesa Top Loop provides a great view of the dwelling.