Day 18: Square Tower Cliff Dwelling

Today we got to use the tour tickets Rob scored while we were driving a few weeks back. We were up early to ensure we weren’t late given the 45-minute drive and the 8:15 a.m. check-in time. The boys were thrilled that we could pick up the Junior Ranger packets at the entrance booth, and it included the badge this time without having to go back to show the completed booklet. A highlight of the drive was when Rob found restrooms for us, but then instead of continuing the one way loop for another 6 miles he opted to drive a half mile in reverse miles we needed to get back to the tour place. The boys thought this was the silliest.

*Viewing the cliff dwellings from the overlook before heading down there*

The tour did not disappoint. It was listed as 90 minutes, on mile and strenuous. I had a little hesitation, but the kids, again, proved they can do anything. We climbed two ladders and got to see the tallest (4 story) dwelling structure in the park. The Square Tower dwelling included some kivas (gathering room found in all dwellings), a couple of petroglyphs, smoke stained walls from the cooking area of the dwelling, and a crows nest area. Probably the most impressive thing to me was getting an up-close look at the mortar and brick style walls that were built in 1200 AD and still standing so strong.

*The wood beams are original and can be used to determine how long ago thy were installed*

This gives you an idea of the scale. These walls originally went all the way to the top of the cliff overhangs. It’s incredible to think how they got to that crow’s nest area and what they could have used it for.

For over 700 years, the Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. The main road and dwellings (Cliff Palace and Balcony House) are currently closed for road work, but we all agreed today’s tour didn’t disappoint and was even more special because it’s not usually open for tours.

After the tour, we picnicked in a closed campground before finishing up a drive around to see overlooks. We stopped by the visitor center on the way out of the park and had to wait awhile in line, as they only let 10 people in at a time. We did get our National Park coins, so it was worth it.

*Spying on Cliff Palace from the lookout*

*Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde*

Once back at the campground we hit the pool again and had some more downtime. Dinner ended up being indoors, as we had some hard rains and winds blow through.

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