Exploring Spruce Tree House And The Chapin Mesa Museum In Mesa Verde National Park
Known as one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in the park, approximately 90% of the visible materials—including walls, wood, and plaster—are original.
Built by the ancestral Pueblo people between 1211 and 1278 AD, it sits within a 216-foot-long and 89-foot-deep alcove, featuring 120-130 rooms.
It is estimated that the dwelling could accommodate 60-90 people or about 19 households.
The site was opened to visitors after an excavation led by Dr. Jesse Walter Fewkes of the Smithsonian Institution in 1908.
However, since 2015, Spruce Tree House has been closed due to rockfall hazards. Visitors can still enjoy views of the dwelling from overlooks behind the Chapin Mesa Museum.
The Chapin Mesa Museum was constructed between 1922-1925 in an architectural style known as Modified Pueblo Revival and is one of the oldest museums in the National Park Service.
Its exhibits showcase cultural artifacts and provide insights into the life of the ancestral Pueblo people. Though the museum is somewhat outdated, new exhibits are planned for installation by the end of 2025.
The museum also features a park film that runs throughout the day, providing an overview of Mesa Verde’s history.
Amenities at the museum include a gift shop, drinking water, and restrooms. A nearby café, which we ate at and enjoyed, offers dining options.
The museum is located at milepost 20 from the park entrance, with operating hours typically from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, though these vary by season.
The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
For those interested in hiking, the Spruce Canyon Loop and Petroglyph Point Loop trails are accessible near the overlook behind the museum.
We hiked the Petroglyph Point Loop and loved it.
Overall, this area makes for a worthwhile stop when visiting Mesa Verde National Park.
