Cliff Palace: A Window into Ancestral Puebloan Life
Explore the ancient Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, and step back in time to experience Ancestral Puebloan life in Mesa Verde.
Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, is a stunning testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Ancestral Puebloans. Nestled within a massive alcove in Mesa Verde National Park, this remarkably preserved site offers a glimpse into a vibrant community that thrived over 700 years ago.
A brief summary to Cliff Palace
- Cliff Palace Loop, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, 81330, US
- +1970-529-4465
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Purchase tour tickets at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center in advance, as they often sell out.
- Allow ample time to drive to Cliff Palace from the park entrance (approximately 1 hour) due to the winding roads.
- Be prepared for some physical activity, as the tour involves climbing stairs and ladders.
- Bring water, as only plain water is allowed on the tour.
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Getting There
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Driving
From the Mesa Verde National Park entrance, drive approximately 20 miles (32 km) along the main park road to the Chapin Mesa area. Follow signs for Cliff Palace Loop Road. The drive takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour due to steep, narrow, and winding roads. Once on Cliff Palace Loop Road, continue 1.7 miles (2.7 km) to the Cliff Palace parking lot. From the parking lot, it is a short 120-yard (110 m) walk to the Cliff Palace Overlook, where the ranger-guided tour begins. Note: Trailers and towed vehicles are not permitted beyond Morefield Campground. Park these vehicles in the large parking lot near the entrance station. Mesa Verde National Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days). Cliff Palace Tour Ticket: $8 per person (ages 3 and up).
Discover more about Cliff Palace
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mesa Verde Administrative District
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Coyote Village
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McElmo Canyon
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sun Temple
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Sun Point View
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Soda Canyon Overlook South
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Mesa Top Sites
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Balcony House
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Hemenway House Overlook
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Square Tower House
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Navajo Canyon View
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Spruce Tree House
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Petroglyph Point Trail
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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
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Far View Terrace Café / Gift Shop / Mesa Mocha
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Sinclair Gas Station
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Knife Edge Cafe at Morefield Village
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Camp Store
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Entrance Station Kiosk
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