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Quiet and shaded, this trail is great after the crowds and heat on Petroglyph Point Trail


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Map Key

2.3

Miles

3.7

KM

86%

Runnable

7,015' 2,138 m

High

6,476' 1,974 m

Low

540' 164 m

Up

371' 113 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding

Description

This trail is accessed via the paved path that leads to the cliff dwellings. You'll see a sign pointing left for Petroglyph Point Trail or forward for Spruce Canyon Trail. The first 1.5 miles or so is under the shade of pine trees and very low grades. For the first half mile, you'll be descending gently to a creek bed. The path is very quiet and pleasant, which makes this a good birdwatching area.

After a while, you start a mellow to moderate climb out of the creek bed and up to the Mesa top. You'll loop back around and then end up on the road which takes you back to the museum and gift shop.

For a 5 mile tour, do the Petroglyph Point Trail in reverse (around the top of the ridge, then down to the Petroglyph and follow the canyon back north to Spruce Canyon Trailhead), then take Spruce around and back to the parking lot.

Pets are only allowed on paved paths and parking lots (on leash), and are not allowed on trails.

Contacts

Shared By:

Micah Bontrager

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 7 votes

#27231

Overall
  3.0 from 7 votes
5 Star
14%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
71%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
14%
Trail Rankings

#2,243

in Colorado

#27,231

Overall
4 Views Last Month
458 Since Feb 23, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Ancient ruins.
Mar 31, 2016 near Towaoc, CO
The path winds between and under boulders (Petroglyph Point Trail).
Dec 8, 2016 near Towaoc, CO
After cruising along the green shady creekbed, you take this mellow climb back up the the dry Mesa top.
Mar 29, 2016 near Towaoc, CO
Looking out into Spruce Canyon from the Petroglyph Point Trail.
Dec 8, 2016 near Towaoc, CO
A view down Spruce Canyon.
Dec 8, 2016 near Towaoc, CO
Marvelous canyon views In Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. with permission from David Cure-Hryciuk
Mar 30, 2016 near Towaoc, CO

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