Cliff Palace: A Masterpiece of Ancestral Puebloan Architecture
Explore Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, and step back in time to discover the ancient world of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, is located in Mesa Verde National Park. Built by the Ancestral Puebloans between 1190 and 1280 CE, this remarkable site features over 150 rooms and 23 kivas, showcasing the sophisticated engineering and artistic skills of this ancient civilization. A visit offers a glimpse into their daily life, social structure, and ceremonial practices.
A brief summary to Cliff Palace
- Cliff Palace Loop, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, 81330, US
- +1970-529-4465
- Visit website
Local tips
- Purchase tour tickets in advance at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center or online, as they often sell out quickly.
- Arrive at the Cliff Palace Overlook at least 15 minutes before your tour for a safety briefing.
- Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to climb ladders and navigate uneven terrain.
- Bring water, especially during the summer months, as the area can be hot and exposed.
- Consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better lighting for photography.
Getting There
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Driving
From the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center near the park entrance, drive 20 miles (32 km) to the Chapin Mesa junction. Turn left and drive 0.4 miles (0.6 km), then turn left again onto Cliff Palace Loop Road. Continue 1.7 miles (2.7 km) to the Cliff Palace parking lot. Allow 75 minutes from the park entrance to reach Cliff Palace. Parking is free in the designated lot. Note that trailers and towed vehicles are not permitted beyond Morefield Campground.
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Public Transport
While there is no public transportation directly to Cliff Palace, commercial bus tours are available from nearby towns like Cortez and Durango. These tours typically include transportation to Mesa Verde National Park and guided visits to key sites, including Cliff Palace. Prices vary depending on the tour operator and itinerary.
Discover more about Cliff Palace
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mesa Verde Administrative District
2.3 km
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Coyote Village
8.3 km
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Megalithic House
8.8 km
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The Moore The Merrier
19.9 km
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Yucca House National Monument
21.0 km
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Welcome to Colorado Sign
31.5 km
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Escalante Pueblo
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Discover Durango
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The Farmington F
51.4 km
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Silver River Adobe Inn
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McElmo Canyon
51.9 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sun Temple
0.3 km
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Sun Point View
0.5 km
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Soda Canyon Overlook South
1.0 km
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Mesa Top Sites
1.0 km
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Balcony House
1.0 km
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Hemenway House Overlook
1.6 km
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Square Tower House
1.6 km
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Navajo Canyon View
1.7 km
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Spruce Tree House
2.2 km
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Mesa Verde Park Headquarters
2.3 km
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Petroglyph Point Trail
2.3 km
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Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
2.4 km
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Long House
5.9 km
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Wetherill Mesa Information
6.5 km
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Step House
6.5 km
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Essential places to dine
Spruce Tree Terrace Café
2.5 km
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D N M Grillen Native
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Chat & Chew
46.2 km
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That's A Burger
47.4 km
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Bamboo House Restaurant
47.6 km
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Nataaní Nez
48.8 km
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Grill On the Hill
51.5 km
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No Worries Sports Bar & Grill
52.3 km
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Los Hermanitos
52.6 km
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Burger Theory
52.8 km
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Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
53.0 km
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Chili's Grill & Bar
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Outback Steakhouse
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Riverside Pizza Restaurant
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Arches Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Main Parking Area
2.5 km
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Far View Terrace Café / Gift Shop / Mesa Mocha
10.3 km
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Sinclair Gas Station
10.3 km
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Knife Edge Cafe at Morefield Village
15.5 km
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Camp Store
15.5 km
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Thunderbird Trading Company
18.1 km
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Entrance Station Kiosk
19.0 km
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Mesa Verde Museum Association
19.7 km
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Antique Corral
20.0 km
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Cliffrose Garden Center & Gifts
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Mud Creek Hogan Trading Post
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Countyroad9
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Anna's Mini Treasure
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Roadside Fry Bread Stand
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Far View Lounge
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Metate Room
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Kuchu's Restaurant
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Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant Cortez
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Blondies Trophy Room
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Main Street Brewery & Restaurant
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Loungin' Lizard
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ZU Gallery
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WildEdge Brewing Collective
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Angel's End Zone Sports Bar
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Cortez Elks Lodge #1789
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