Square Tower House
Square Ancestral Puebloan tower ruin in Colorado
Square Tower House is an Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling located in Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado. The site dates to the late Pueblo III period and incorporates a distinctive tower-like masonry element built into a cliff alcove.
The site features multi-room masonry construction integrated with natural alcove geometry and includes ceremonial spaces typical of cliff dwellings in the region. It is one of several archaeological sites in the park that illustrate complex masonry and community organization of Ancestral Pueblo peoples.
Constructed and occupied by Ancestral Pueblo communities during the late 1200s, the dwelling was abandoned along with many other Mesa Verde sites by the early 1300s during regional depopulation events. Archaeological study has documented construction techniques and room layouts typical of the period.
Situated within Mesa Verde National Park, the site is accessed via park roads and viewing points managed by the National Park Service, which provides interpretation and visitor information for the park’s cliff dwellings.
- Cultural period: An Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling within Mesa Verde National Park, dating to the Pueblo III period and associated with late prehistoric occupation in the region.
How to Get to Square Tower House #
Access is by a county road off the nearest paved highway in southwestern Colorado; four-wheel drive may be required depending on season. Nearest town services are several miles away-plan accordingly.
Tips for Visiting Square Tower House #
- The site is on private property and changes hands-confirm access with local historical societies before visiting.
- If approaching on foot, wear sturdy shoes; the short trail down to the ruin is rocky and exposed.
- Don't expect interpretive signage at the remains-bring a local topo map or GPS coordinates.
Best Time to Visit Square Tower House #
Best visited late spring through fall when mountain roads are open and weather is stable.
Weather & Climate near Square Tower House #
Square Tower House's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 30°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 13 mm.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 46 mm of rain.
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September
September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).