Petroglyph Point Trail

The Trail

This moderate trail is an approximately 2.8 mile long loop with a 187 foot elevation change (however, keep in mind that this trail does go up and down a fair amount). The trail weaves through rock crevices, up and down narrow stairways, and under sandstone overhangs. Hikers pass a number of interesting rock formations, some cliff house ruins, and other objects of interest before reaching the petroglyphs themselves. It is definitely a beautiful and interesting trail that is well worth the hiking effort!

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

The trail starts from nearby the Chapin Mesa Museum. Walk along the asphalt path following the signs toward the Spruce Tree House (which is also worth looking at). The the Petroglyph Point and Spruce Canyon Trails start near the Spruce Tree House exit sign. These two trails soon separate; follow the signs to stay left on the Petroglyph Point trail. If you want, you can buy a trail guide, which gives additional information about plants, the ruins, the petroglyphs, and other things of interest along the trail.

Before you hike this trail, you need to sign in either at the box on the trail or at the museum. Note that this area and trail have opening and closing times. From April to October the hours should be from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. However, hours change depending on the season. Contact the park for current hours. Pets are not permitted on this trail.

You will find the petroglyphs at the far end of the trail at marker 24.

Petroglyphs

After the petroglyphs, the trail makes an abrupt climb to the top of the mesa before turning back towards the museum. The second half of the trail runs through the pinyon-juniper forest and is much faster to hike than the first part of the trail. At the end of the hike, the trail crosses a dam and offers a nice view of the Spruce Tree House ruins.

Spruce Tree House

Directions

This trail is located in Colorado in Mesa Verde National Park. The park is located along US-160. After paying required fees and entering the park, continue to the Chapin Mesa. At the four way stop, turn right to enter the museum and Spruce Tree House parking area. The trail starts next to the museum.