Lightning Tree Tower (5MT 1691) is a Pueblo III (AD 1150-1300) isolated tower situated on a relatively low-angled portion of the north canyon slope of Lightning Tree Canyon. The tower itself is constructed of core-and-veneer McElmo style pecked sandstone blocks. Lightning Tree Tower is approximately 4 m in diameter, and is currently 4.35 m in height. Judging from the rubble in the area of the tower, it once may have stood as much as 6.5 m in height.

There is a ledge inside the tower approximately 3.5 m from modern ground surface which suggest that the internal structure of the tower consisted of at least one above-ground story. The tower itself is isolated, and does not appear to be connected to any structure, but there are two roomblocks totaling 7 rooms 6 m to the west.

Two check dams are located 3 m north of the tower, and three similar features interpreted as terraces are located to the east, south, and southwest. Washes run on both the east and west side of Lightning Tree Tower; they have both scattered artifacts from the midden south of the tower and roomblocks further down slope.

It seems likely that the tower at 5MT 17275 would have been visible from Lightning Tree Tower in prehistory, assuming that the trees in the canyon had been cleared for firewood and building material.

Click here for a map of the site.

Click here for a data table from the site.

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