Bing the second longest trail at the Mesa Verde National Park, the Petroglyph Point Trail extends for 2.8 miles and offers fabulous views of the Spruce and Navajo canyons. This particular trail is the only trail in the park with petroglyphs and is also the only trail that can be explored without a guided tour. The loop covers the Spruce Tree House that is the 3rd largest cliff dwelling at the national park and passes through a ravine before reaching the part where the pathway forks between the two canyons to later reach the rim and the plateau sections. The elevation change from the start to the end is a mere 500 feet but you are spoilt with beautiful views of the mountains and the valleys that cannot be seen from anywhere else in the park.

The Petroglyph Point consists of a 20-feet wide panel that bears ancient hand prints, depictions of animals, a number of geometric shapes and spiral icons. The hike is interesting with wildflowers and small shrubs adding some greenery to the otherwise monotone terrain and the fact that you can get so close to ancient Petroglyphs without a glass in between, makes this a little bit challenging but memorable experience.

• Carry bottled drinking water and snacks.
• Wear study shoes and sunscreen.

For prices of ranger-guided tours: call up the place.

Admission Fee to the park for private vehicles (valid for 7 days):

• January 2 - April 30, 2018; November 1 - December 31, 2018 Fee: $ 15.00
• May 1 - October 31, 2018 Fee: $ 20.00

Admission Fee to the park for Motorcycle (valid for 7 days):

• January 2 - April 30, 2018; November 1 - December 31, 2018 Fee: $ 10.00
• May 1 - October 31, 2018 Fee: $ 15.00

Admission Fee to the park for every Bicyclist and Individual (valid for 7 days):

• January 2 - April 30, 2018; November 1 - December 31, 2018 Fee: $ 7.00 per person
• May 1 - October 31, 2018 Fee: $ 10.00 per person

Mesa Verde Annual Pass: USD 40

Admission fee to the park for Non-Commercial Group (based on vehicle capacity) January 2 - April 30, 2018; November 1 - December 31, 2018: valid for 7 days

• Less than 16 people: USD 15 per vehicle
• 16-25 people: USD 7 per person (cannot exceed over USD 100)
• 26 or more people: USD 7 per person (not to exceed USD 200)

Admission Fee to the park for Non-Commercial Group (based on vehicle capacity): May 1 – October 31, 2018: valid for 7 days

• Less than 16 people: USD 20 per vehicle
• 16-25 people: USD 10 per person (cannot exceed over USD 100)
• 26 or more people: USD 10 per person (not to exceed USD 200)

• For opening and closing hours of the trail and for tour hours, call up the place.
• The park is open 24 hours a day from 365 days a year.

• By renting a Bicycle. (the park accepts application for bike rentals)
• By renting a Car.
• You need to hike/ walk around the place to reach various spots around the park.

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Mesa Verde National Park before you plan your trip.

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