SA Report: Unstuck in time

Trip Date: 8/26/2017

Location: Mesa Verde National Park

Permit/Pass: Vehicles: (1/2-4/30, 11/1-12/31 - $15), (5/1-10/31 - $20), Motorcycles: (1/2-4/30, 11/1-12/31 - $10), (5/1-10/31 - $15), Bicyclists/Individuals: (1/2-4/30, 11/1-12/31 - $7), (5/1-10/31 - $10)

Trail Maps: nps.gov

Directions: From Highway 160 in southwest Colorado take the Mesa Top Ruins (Mesa Verde NP) exit and follow the road 15 miles, where you'll pass the right turn for Wetherill Mesa, and continue onto Chapin Mesa. Remain on Mesa Top Ruins Rd. for another 5.4 miles, at which point you'll pass a left turn for the Cliff Palace Loop, then continue another 1.5 miles on the Mesa Loop Rd. to the pullout parking on the right for the Square Tower House Overlook trail.

Synopsis: A very short and level paved walk out to an overlook for the Square Tower House dwelling. At first we did this just to cross it off the list, but it turned out to be one of the more interesting overlooks, as Square Tower House has a fascinating history.

Trail sequence: Square Tower House Overlook trail

Type: Out and back

Distance: 0.3 miles

Rating: Easy (factors: heat)

Notes: This point of interest is paved and accommodates handicapped access.

Track: Square Tower House Overlook - Mesa Verde NP: AllTrails, GaiaGPS

Turn by Turn:

  -- Simply follow the paved path past the trailhead signs, walking south a bit then turning to the west before stopping at the railed overlook. Be sure to read the interpretive plaques here.

Photos: Flickr

Video: Youtube