Oak Tree House
Mesa Verde National Park Tours
(This tour is not available in 2020)
This 60-room site built on two ledges is one of the largest cliff dwellings in the park. Oak Tree House is a well preserved but fragile site that features plastered walls and varied architectural styles. During the hike, you will also have stunning views of Cliff Canyon, Cliff Palace, and Sun Temple.
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Need to Know
- What to Expect
This 2-hour, 1-mile (1.6 km) round-trip hike is moderately strenuous. Expect a narrow, unpaved, uneven trail, with steps carved into the sandstone, steep drop-offs, and two ladders (4-foot and 15-foot) (1.2 m to 4.6 m). Total elevation change is 200 feet (61 m). Children must be able to walk the extent of the trail on their own without difficulty. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and bring a minimum of 1/2 gallon (2 liters) of water per person. Please do not bring any type of snack or food or sugary drinks. Archeological sites are vulnerable to damage caused by rodents attracted to food crumbs.
- Safety Information
Consider your physical health before joining a hike, especially if you have heart or respiratory problems, or other physical difficulties. Elevations range between 7,000 and 7,500 feet (2134 m and 2286 m) above sea level. You should plan for all weather possibilities because weather conditions are quite variable. It's possible to begin your hike in full sun and end with a thunderstorm or snowstorm.
- Directions to Tour
From the park entrance, drive 20 miles (32 km) to the all-way stop on Chapin Mesa. Turn left onto the Mesa Top Loop Road and drive 5 miles (8 km) to Sun Temple Overlook. Drive time from the park entrance is approximately one hour. Meet the ranger for your hike at Sun Temple Overlook no later than 7:45 am. Hikers for Oak Tree House depart promptly at 8:00 am.
- Tour Dates
May 28 to October 12, 2019 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8:00 am
- Tour Capacity
Tour is limited to 10 people
- Tour Price
Price: $25.00 per person, all ages
