Cedar Tree Tower

Overview

Cedar Tree Tower is a mesa‑top Ancestral Puebloan tower paired with a kiva, built roughly between AD 1100 and 1300. Its purpose is debated—ceremonial space, part of a communication network, or a lookout—but the combo of tower and kiva hints at something more than everyday living. It’s a quick, self‑guided stop that adds welcome variety to the park’s many cliff‑dwelling overlooks.

What You’ll See

From the small roadside pullout, you’ll walk a short path to view the tower and kiva foundations (the structure is roped off; viewing only). The setting gives you a feel for mesa‑top life and, on clear days, decent views across the surrounding country.

Farming Terrace Loop

Right next door, the 0.5‑mile Farming Terrace Loop showcases check dams and terracing the Ancestral Pueblo people built to slow runoff and trap soil and moisture—smart water management on a dry mesa. It’s an easy stroll and the best way here to connect the dots between architecture and agriculture. Plan about 15–30 minutes at the tower and another 20–40 minutes if you walk the loop.

Getting There & Facilities

Access is via Chapin Mesa, with a small pullout/parking area. There are no services at the stop; the nearest full facilities are at the museum area on Chapin Mesa and at the park entrance complex. Stay on marked paths and please don’t touch or climb the walls—preservation matters.

Best Time to Visit

Open roughly 8:00 am to sunset for self‑guided viewing. Morning or late afternoon brings cooler temps and softer light for photos. Midday can be hot and harsh, and the tiny pullout can fill, so time your stop accordingly or pair it with a lap of the Mesa Top Loop when traffic ebbs.