For Release: Immediate
Contact: Tessy Shirakawa
Phone: 970-529-4628

Spruce Tree House Trail Closed February 26; Entrance Fees Waived

The trail to Spruce Tree House, Mesa Verde National Park ’s third largest cliff dwelling, will be closed on Monday, February 26, 2007 for removal of unstable sandstone boulders along the canyon wall. To alleviate this inconvenience, park entrances fees will be waived that day. Park rangers will provide free interpretive talks at Sun Temple , overlooking Cliff Palace , at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM , and 3:30 PM .

Trail maintenance will include the use of carefully placed, small explosives to remove sandstone boulders that impinge on safe visitor access to Spruce Tree House. Due to the dust and small rocks expelled from these explosives, the trail will be temporarily closed. There will also be no access to the Spruce Tree House overlook at the rear balcony of the Chief Ranger’s Office.

Park maintenance staff expects to complete this rehabilitation in a single day. However, if weather or other circumstances intervene, the fee and program alterations listed above will remain in effect until Spruce Tree House trail is reopened.

For additional information, please contact the park at 970-529-4465.

~ NPS ~