USA Spruce Tree House

Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906 to preserve and interpret the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from 600 to 1300 CE. Today, the park protects nearly 5,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States. Spruce Tree House is one of the few cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde where you can self guide. Most of the others cost from $25-$45 US in addition to the park entrance fee ($20-$30 good for 7 days). There are museums, a cafe, and restrooms in the area around the large parking lot. A park ranger is usually at the cliff dwelling to answer questions. Visitors can climb down a ladder into a restored kiva and take their time viewing the ruins.

This a popular park. Depending on the time of day, it could be difficult to get a photo without people but because certain areas are restricted, you’ll be able to get some great tourist-free photos. Spruce Tree House, which faces southwest, receives interesting light in the late afternoon and early evening. Many compositions are possible as the evening light dances across the ruins.

From the Mesa Verde Visitor Center Drive 20 miles to the Spruce Tree House parking lot.