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Free Traveling Guides » States » Colorado » National Parks Petroglyph Loop Trail
The Petroglyph Loop Trail is a 2.8 miles (4.5 km) trail on the Chapin Mesa in the Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. It commences from the Spruce Tree House Trail, follows just below the edge of the southern part of the plateau, and finally makes a short climb to the rim of the Mesa. The Trail ends near the Chapin Mesa archaeological Museum and returns via the rim. It offers breathtaking views of the spectacular Navajo and Spruce Canyons. Besides, it is the only trail in the National Park that offers the visitors an opportunity to view several petroglyphs.
The Petroglyph Loop Trail has some incline but the hike is not a strenuous one. With 3 miles (4.83 km) around the loop, the trail varies in scenery and terrain beyond the points of interest including petroglyphs. This makes the trail itself quite interesting and diverse. However, before hiking the trail, it is mandatory to register at the Museum near the Spruce Tree House. The entrance gate to access this trail is open only during the visitor hours to Spruce House and the trail closes after a certain hour.
The artifacts on the trail are inimitable and extremely rare and therefore, good care should be taken to protect them. The Trail guide can be bought at the Museum for merely 50 cents. The booklet offers some interesting interpretations of the petroglyphs as well as of the plants and trees along the way. On the trail, one will also come across a stone, which the Hopi used to sharpen their knives. This stone is located very near to the Petroglyph site. The portion of the loop beyond the Petroglyph site offers an amazing view of the Canyon from the mesa top and beautiful wild flowers blooming everywhere. At the end of the trail, hikers can not only look down to Spruce Tree House but can also explore many other small ruins tucked in the folds of the cliff above.
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