Spruce Tree House Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The return climb gains all 300 feet in about half a mile of switchbacks. At Mesa Verde's 7,000-foot elevation, even fit hikers may find themselves breathing harder than expected. Take it slow and bring water.
The stone steps near the dwelling are uneven and can be slippery when wet or icy. In winter months, sections of the trail may close entirely due to ice — check at the museum before heading down.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Hit the trail right when the museum opens — by mid-morning, tour groups from the ranger-led dwellings spill over here, and the alcove gets congested. Early birds often get the site nearly to themselves for ten quiet minutes.
Wear shoes with actual tread, not sandals. The final descent into the alcove involves uneven stone steps that get slick after rain, and the packed-dirt switchbacks on the climb out can be loose and dusty.
Bring binoculars or a zoom lens — from the overlook at the trailhead before you descend, you get a perfect elevated angle of the entire dwelling tucked into the cliff. This is actually a better photo than anything you can get from ground level inside the alcove.