Petroglyph Point: Mesa Verde National Park

Difficulty: Easy

2.5 Miles Round Trip

Most of Mesa Verde is seen from view points on the road, but there are a few simple, short hikes that you can do that are definitely worth your time. Our favorite of these hikes was the Petroglyph Point Trail. Great views of the canyon, cliff dwellings, and of course the petrogyph wall are all part of this awesome little hike: there is A LOT to see in just 2.5 little miles!

The hike starts at Spruce Tree House, the best preserved cliff dwelling in the park and is the third largest in this vast metropolis. The dwelling contains about 130 rooms and 8 kivas (kee-vahs), or ceremonial chambers, built into a natural alcove measuring 216 feet at greatest width and 89 feet at its greatest depth. It is thought to have been home for about 60 to 80 people. Of course, you can't do Petroglyph Point without a quick (or not-so-quick) stop at the Spruce Tree house! After all, this is why you are in Mesa Verde to begin with.

(Heading down into a Kiva that has been restored and available for exploration)

From Spruce Tree House, you will continue down the trail to a junction - Left for Petroglyph Point, straight for Spruce Canyon or right to head back up to the museum. We are turning left for our hike here.

The thing that makes this hike so fun is all of the rock you get to climb through and over. It's very green, like what we are used to in the PNW, but a lot of rock amongst that green.

About a mile into the hike you come across a single dwelling - which I'm sure just housed one or two families. The view from this little home is quite beautiful, and not as precarious as some of the dwellings you will find in Mesa Verde.

Just another short little jog, and a small climb from the single dwelling will bring you to the name sake of this hike - the petroglyphs.

From the petroglyphs you will continue to climb until you reach the top of the canyon. It's a must to enjoy the view from up here.

From here it's easy-peasy back to the museum. You will follow a trial along the top of the canyon all the way back. You will see the museum as you round a bend - can't miss it. Make sure to check out the view of Spruce Tree House from here as well, and don't miss the dwellings on the left: Yikes!!

Directions: Upon entering the park, and paying the fee, you will receive a map. Spruce Tree House is located in the Cliff Palace loop. Follow the signs to the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and the trail will start from here.