See Spruce Tree House, Mesa Verde National Park

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NOTE: Due to continued safety concerns relating to rock falls, Spruce Tree House remains closed for the foreseeable future until a full geotechnical assessment can be performed. Overlooks near the museum offer superb views of the cliff dwelling. Rangers are available to answer questions. Spruce Tree House is Mesa Verde National Park's best-preserved and third largest cliff dwelling. It is within several hundred feet of a spring, and had 130 rooms and eight kivas. It is the largest cliff dwelling visitors are allowed to visit without a formal tour ticket. It was constructed sometime between AD 1211 and 1278. It is believed anywhere from 60 to 80 people lived there at one time. Because of its protective location, it is well preserved. The short trail to Spruce House begins at the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. It can be reached on a 1/2 mile round trip hike with a 100-ft descent and ascent on a winding path. Spruce Tree House can be seen by taking a ranger-guided or self-guyided tour. Ranger-guided tours are available from early November to early March. Self-guided tours can be done from early March to early November. It is open from 8:30 until 6:30 during peak season. Three ranger-guided tours are available each day. Each one-hour tour involves a 100ft (30m) descent and ascent on a winding path. Walking distance is 1/2-mile (1km) round trip. Tours begin at the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.

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