Petroglyph Point Trail,
Mesa Verde National Park

Located 12.4 miles from Cortez, Colorado (CO)
4 Stars
5,221 Steps 1  (2.4 mi)
Trails National Parks Mesa Verde Petroglyph Point Trail

The Petroglyph Point Trail is located near the Spruce Tree House dwelling. The National Park Service requests that you register your name and car details before commencing your hike, you can do this either at the trailhead or at the museum. The trail is a lot of fun and quite strenuous at times, you can collect a leaflet and enjoy an interpretive guide along the way.

Petroglyph Point TrailPetroglyphsPetroglyph Point Trail

At several locations you will have to crawl or fit through some large boulders. Look carefully to see signs of small dwellings where the Ancient Puebloans once lived. The petroglyphs are some of the best I've seen compared to others in the southwest.

Elevation

The Petroglyph Point Trail has a maximum elevation of 6,955 ft., a minimum elevation of 6,696 ft. and an elevation range of 259 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
2.4 mi6,696 ft6,955 ft259 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
1.0 hr14.2170 ft103 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
1.0 hrs8.6103 ft170 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Petroglyph Point Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Cortez, CO
  2. North Topo Map: Point Lookout, CO
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Mancos, CO
  4. West Topo Map: Wetherill Mesa, CO
  5. Topo Map: Moccasin Mesa, CO
  6. East Topo Map: Trail Canyon, CO
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Moqui Canyon, CO
  8. South Topo Map: Greasewood Canyon, CO
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Red Horse Gulch, CO

FAQ

What is the length of the Petroglyph Point Trail?
The length of the trail is 2.4 miles (3.9 km) or 5,221 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Petroglyph Point Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 1.0 hour in one direction and in 1.0 hours in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Knife Edge TrailPetroglyph Point TrailSpruce Tree Trail

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.