Spruce Tree House - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Spruce Tree House is a great place to explore the ancient ruins of the Mesa Verde people. The site includes a well-preserved cliff dwelling, as well as a number of other interesting features. Visitors can learn about the history of the area, and see some of the amazing artifacts that have been found here. There are also many hiking trails in the area, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Today, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the site and learn about the architectural features of the dwelling, as well as the daily life of the people who lived there.

The structure was built around 1200 AD and was inhabited for only a few decades before being abandoned. However, its well-preserved condition has made it one of the most popular archaeological sites in the United States. Spruce Tree House gets its name from the large spruce tree that grew inside the main chamber of the structure. The tree provided both shade and support for the adobe walls, and its roots can still be seen today. Although Spruce Tree House was only occupied for a short time, it provides an important glimpse into the everyday lives of the Ancestral Puebloans.

The best time to visit the site is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is mild and there is no snow on the ground. During this time of year, visitors can explore the site without worrying about extreme temperatures or hazardous conditions.

1. Arrive early: Spruce Tree House is one of the most popular attractions in Mesa Verde, so it's best to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds.
2.  Talk to the ranger: The park ranger leading the tour is a wealth of information about Spruce Tree House and the Ancestral Puebloans who lived there. Be sure to ask plenty of questions!
3. Buy a souvenir: The visitor center at Mesa Verde has a great selection of books, jewelry, and other souvenirs related to Spruce Tree House and the park's other archaeological sites.
4. . Visit nearby sites: While you're in the area, be sure to check out some of Mesa Verde's other amazing cliff dwellings, like Cliff Palace and Balcony House.
5. Hike around: Mesa Verde National Park has over 150 miles of hiking trails, so get out and explore! You never know what you might see along the way.
    

1. Spruce Tree house is one of the largest cliff dwellings in North America. It covers an area of 130 square meters and contained around 100 rooms.
2. The site was first excavated in 1888 by a team led by Gustaf Nordenskiöld.
3. The Ancestral Pueblo people who lived at Spruce Tree House were part of the Mesa Verde culture.
4. . It comprises around 130 rooms and was built using sandstone and mortar.

It is recommended to allow at least 2-3 hours for exploration of this area. 

The easiest way to reach it is by car. From the town of Cortez, take Highway 160 east for about 10 miles. Then turn north onto County Road G and continue for about 2 miles. Finally, turn east onto Spruce Tree Road and follow it for about a mile until you reach the parking area for Spruce Tree House. You can also reach Spruce Tree House by hiking or biking. There are numerous trails in the area that lead to the ruins. 

While the exact entrance fee varies depending on the time of year and whether or not you are a senior citizen or member of the military, it is generally around $10 per person. 

Spruce Tree House, Montezuma County, Colorado is open to the public year-round from 9 am to 5 pm.