Square Tower House

Mesa Verde National Park Tours

This location is anticipated to open for tours May 4, 2026.

Featuring the tallest standing structure in the park, an intact kiva roof, original plaster and paint, and plentiful rock art, Square Tower House is one of Mesa Verde's most impressive cliff dwellings. Visitors to the Mesa Top Loop can get a great view from the overlook, but intrepid hikers are treated to an adventurous and intimate look inside Square Tower House on this special ranger-led tour.

NOTE: All Ranger-Led tours will require reservations through the Recreation.gov website or toll free number 1-877-444-6777. Reservations are available 14 days in advance, beginning at 8:00 am MDT and fill up early. However, if someone cancels their reservation these tickets become available and can be purchased only at recreation.gov up to two hours before a tour.

Reserving a tour is much easier if you create a recreation.gov account in advance. Go to recreation.gov and select the "Sign Up/Log In" tab in the upper right corner. For more information on the variety of tours offered in the upcoming season, please visit the Mesa Verde National Park Cliff Dwelling Tours page .

This tour starts 75 minutes from the park entrance at the Square Tower House trailhead.

If reserving multiple tours in a single day, please leave time between tours for moving to the next tour location. On Chapin Mesa, please leave at least 3 hours between tour reservations. E.g.: a 8:45 am Square Tower House tour would require an 11:45 pm or later Balcony House tour.

If reserving a tour on Wetherill Mesa, please leave at least 4 hours between tour reservations. E.g.: a 8:45 am Square Tower House tour would require a 12:45 pm or later Long House tour. Note that Long House requires a 1-mile walk to and from the parking lot to the trailhead and that Wetherill Mesa has limited access hours.

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

• What to Expect

  This strenuous ranger-led 2 hour tour is a 1 mile (1.6 km) round-trip hike along an unpaved, uneven trail that descends 120 feet (37 m), and includes steep drop-offs, switchbacks, and two ladders. Each hiker must be able to scramble over boulders, navigate steep gravel trails, and descend/ascend ladders unassisted. You will climb down and up a 10 foot (3 m) open cliff face with uneven stone steps and two 16 foot (5 m) ladders.

  Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and bring a minimum of 2 quarts (2 liters) of water per person. Ancestral sites are vulnerable to damage caused by rodents attracted to food crumbs. Food, gum, tobacco, and sugary beverages are not permitted within the site during your tour.

• Tour Directions

  From the park entrance, drive 20 miles (32 km) to the all-way stop on Chapin Mesa. Turn left towards the Mesa Top Loop. Drive 1.9 miles (3 km) to Square Tower House parking. To make sure you arrive on time, allow 75 minutes to drive from the park entrance to the Square Tower House trailhead.

  Meet the ranger at the Square Tower House trailhead at 8:30 am. Hikers depart for Square Tower House promptly at 8:45. You MUST arrive 15 minutes early for a safety and logistics briefing before your tour. 

  Parking may be limited. Consider parking at the Navajo Canyon Overlook on the Mesa Top Loop, from which Square Tower House is a short walk.

• Safety Information

  Square Tower House tours can be strenuous. Know your physical health and fitness before joining a tour. 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 conditions can vary. It's possible to begin your hike in full sun and end with a thunderstorm. Bring a minimum of 2 quarts (2 liters) of water per person. 

  This hike may not be appropriate for young children. Each hiker must be able to scramble over boulders, navigate steep gravel trails, and descend/ascend ladders unassisted. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

  Cameras are welcome, but you must be able to carry all of your gear while keeping your hands free to climb the ladders. No tripods are allowed.

• Tour Dates

  May 4 to Oct 21: 8:45 am, daily.

  October 22: Closed for the season. No tours.

• Tour Capacity

  Tour is limited to 10 people.

• Reservation Price

  Price: $25.00 per person, ages 3 and up. There is NO cell service at the trailhead. You MUST physically print your tour reservation at home OR download it to your phone to show the ranger before joining the tour. You will NOT be able to join the tour without a valid tour reservation presented. Late arrivals may result in forfeiting your tour. No refunds for late arrivals.

• Weather

  All tours will be conducted as scheduled. Any tour may be delayed or cancelled if lightning occurs near the tour location, or for a park emergency. 

• Refunds

  All reservations are NON-TRANSFERABLE AND NON-REFUNDABLE unless the tour is cancelled by the National Park Service.

• GPS Coordinates

  Latitude: 37.166726

  Longitude: -108.491325

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