Square Tower House
Mesa Verde National Park Tours
(This tour will be offered in 2021. Reservations will be accepted starting Sunday, April 18, 2021.) Reservations will only be accepted 2 weeks in advance for all tour dates
This short but strenuous hike leads to a stunning and surprisingly intimate cliff dwelling. Unusual aspects of this site include an original kiva roof and the Crow's Nest, features that cannot be seen from the viewpoint on the canyon rim.
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If you plan on booking a second tour on the same day, we highly suggest you give yourself at least:
- 3 hours between the time you book this Square Tower House tour and a Cliff Palace tour (ie: 8:00 am STH and 11:00 am or CP).
- 4 hours between the time you book this Square Tower House tour and a Long House tour (ie: 8:00 am STH and 12:00 pm or later LH).
For more information on the minimum amount of time needed between tours, look for the booking advice link on https://go.nps.gov/mv_tourtickets.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- What to Expect
This strenuous 2-hour, 1-mile (2.6km) round-trip hike is along an unpaved, uneven trail that descends 100 feet (30 m), and includes steep drop-offs, switchbacks, and three ladders (the longest is 20 feet [6.1m]). Each hiker must be able to scramble over boulders and navigate steep gravel trails unassisted.
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. Hiking is not recommended for those with heart or respiratory problems, or other physical difficulties. Elevations range between 7,000 and 7,500 feet (2134m and 2286m) above sea level. Weather conditions are quite variable. It's possible to begin your hike in full sun and end with a thunderstorm. Plan for all weather conditions. Bring a minimum of 1/2 gallon (2 liters) of water per person.
This hike may not be appropriate for young children. Each hiker must be able to scramble over boulders and navigate steep gravel trails unassisted.
- Tour Directions
From the park entrance, drive 20 miles (32 km) to the all-way stop on Chapin Mesa. Turn left onto the Mesa Top Loop. Drive 1.9 (3 km) miles to Square Tower House overlook. Meet the ranger at the Square Tower House overlook at 7:45 am. Hikers depart for Square Tower House promptly at 8:00 am.
- Tour Dates
May 2 to June 15, 2021
Daily at 8:30 am and 12:00 pm. - Tour Price
Price: $25.00 per person, ages 3 and up.
- Tour Capacity
Tour is limited to 10 people
