The Cedar Tree Tower Site at Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado is a short roadside walk that leads to an ancient Puebloan kiva and tower.
This is not a hike but rather a very short walk that leads to ancient architecture within the park. The Cedar Tree Tower Site is from the 1000 - 1200 CE era and was potentially used for ceremonies or were special observation locations. Visitors can appreciate the architecture from the short trail that runs around the tower site. While you're in the area, you might want to consider a short hike along the Farming Terrace Loop Trail nearby -- the loop provides a hike into the canyon slopes that were once used for farming and is a great trail to find seclusion at the park.
Parking
Visitors will find a parking lot at the coordinates provided along Cedar Tree Road in the park. As of June 2024, the lot is large enough to fit just a handful of vehicles.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Dogs are allowed on paved trails including the Park Point Trail and the Mesa Top Loop Sites including: The Navajo Canyon Overlook, Square Tower House Overlook Trail, Pithouses & Pueblos Loop, Mesa Top Sites Trail, Sun Point Pueblo, Sun Point View, Oak Tree House View, Fire Temple & New Fire House View, and the Sun Temple & Cliff Palace View.
Warning
Rattlesnakes: Mesa Verde is home to rattlesnakes that might be out basking in the sun during warm months. While encounters are rare, give any rattlers you find plenty of space.
This is not a hike but rather a very short walk that leads to ancient architecture within the park. The Cedar Tree Tower Site is from the 1000 - 1200 CE era and was potentially used for ceremonies or were special observation locations. Visitors can appreciate the architecture from the short trail that runs around the tower site. While you're in the area, you might want to consider a short hike along the Farming Terrace Loop Trail nearby -- the loop provides a hike into the canyon slopes that were once used for farming and is a great trail to find seclusion at the park.
Parking
Visitors will find a parking lot at the coordinates provided along Cedar Tree Road in the park. As of June 2024, the lot is large enough to fit just a handful of vehicles.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Dogs are allowed on paved trails including the Park Point Trail and the Mesa Top Loop Sites including: The Navajo Canyon Overlook, Square Tower House Overlook Trail, Pithouses & Pueblos Loop, Mesa Top Sites Trail, Sun Point Pueblo, Sun Point View, Oak Tree House View, Fire Temple & New Fire House View, and the Sun Temple & Cliff Palace View.
Warning
Rattlesnakes: Mesa Verde is home to rattlesnakes that might be out basking in the sun during warm months. While encounters are rare, give any rattlers you find plenty of space.
