Petroglyph Point Trail, Mesa Verde National Park 2023

 June 29, 2023

Although the Spruce Tree house has been unfortunately closed since 2015, the Petroglyph Point Trail is a great way to see the tree house from a far and also hike close to some smaller structures. Along the way the trail also takes you to some really neat petroglyphs. The trail which starts at the Spruce Treehouse Overlook near the Chapin Mesa Museum, is a loop trail that is about 2.4 miles long. It is listed as strenuous on the official website, but I was able to hike it easily in late June with my 16, 14, and 9 year-olds. The trail is well marked and easy to follow and starts by winding its way just below the rim of the canyon and returns to where it started by ascending to the rim of the canyon and leisurely making its way back to the trailhead There is only one spot that might be difficult for the elderly or people with conditions that limit mobility and that was just past the petroglyphs which requires a 4 foot climb to start the ascent back to the rim of the canyon. Here's a look at the hike in pictures:

This is near the Museum where the Spruce Tree House overlook is and where the Petroglyph Point Trail and Spruce Canyon Trails Start at the same place.

Here's a map of the area.

A look across the canyon at the Spruce Treehouse.

My daughter, Judi, and son, Trey, on the trail.

Here's where the Petroglyphs Point and Spruce Canyon Trails split. Up to this point from the trailhead, they are the same trail. We took the left to the petroglyphs.

A look at the trail not long after the trail split. It is easy to follow, but at times it isn't on level ground.

One of the few grotto's the trail passes through on the hike.

Here's a look at one of the ruins that the Petroglyph Point Trail takes you to.

An optional, difficult climb off of the left side of the trail will take you to what is left of another old ruin.

Judi also had fun exploring the natural caves along the trail.

We took a rest at the petroglyphs to have some snacks and enjoy the beauty of the area.

Just past the petroglyphs, the trail starts climbing toward the rim of the canyon. Here's a look at my 9 year old, Judi, using the foot holds that have been carved into the rock to help her climb up to get to the trail (where my son is in the background).

Once up the 4 foot climb, the trail continues ascending over uneven ground.

Once back to the rim, there are some amazing views...

...and the trail flattens back out.

I was originally planning on doing the Spruce Canyon hike, but when I saw the sign for the petroglyphs, I decided to go check them out, not realizing that it was the Petroglyph Point Trail. The 2.4 mile hike took us about one hour and 20 minutes to finish.