Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Prepare for a 1/4 mile (0.4 km) hike with four ladders and a 100-foot (30 m) elevation change.
Getting there
Driving from the park entrance takes 45 to 75 minutes.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive south from the Mesa Verde National Park entrance on US Highway 160. Follow the park road for approximately 20 miles to the Cliff Palace Loop. | 45-75 minutes from park entrance | $30 per vehicle park fee (summer) | The park road is steep, narrow, and winding. Allow ample time to navigate to the parking lot before your scheduled tour. |
When to go
- J
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- J
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- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Tours operate from early May to late October. September provides pleasant weather and smaller crowds. The site closes entirely for winter.
What to bring
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There is no cell service at the Cliff Palace trailhead.
Print or download your reservation before arriving.
How the day runs
Combine your dwelling tour with nearby overlooks.
A streamlined visit focusing on Cliff Palace and nearby context.
- Enter Park
Pay the $30 vehicle fee and begin the steep 20-mile drive.
- Mesa Verde Museum
Spend 45 minutes learning about Ancestral Puebloan history.
- Cliff Palace Tour
Complete the 45-minute ranger-led tour.
- Sun Temple
Drive across the canyon for panoramic photos.
Combine the park's two largest cliff dwelling tours.
- Enter Park
Drive directly toward Chapin Mesa.
- Cliff Palace Tour
Start with the 150-room architectural marvel.
- Soda Canyon Overlook
Take a 30-minute hike for canyon views.
- Balcony House Tour
Crawl through a tunnel and climb a 32-foot ladder.
Physical Requirements
The tour requires climbing four ladders. You must wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes. All participants must be capable of climbing unassisted. Infants require a hands-free carrier.
Arrival Rules
Arrive early. Late arrivals forfeit their tour without a refund. Bring a lightweight daypack and a secure water bottle to keep your hands free on the ladders.
Easiest way to do it
Mesa Verde Express Tour With Tickets To Cliff Palace
5 h 4.9 (26)
- Bottled water
- Cliff Palace Tickets
From$199per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How far is Cliff Palace from the park entrance?
It is a 20-mile drive on US Highway 160. The road is steep, narrow, and winding. Expect the drive to take 45 to 75 minutes.
Is there cell service at the Cliff Palace trailhead?
No. There is zero cell service at the trailhead. You must physically print your tour reservation or download it to your phone beforehand.
What happens if I miss my tour time?
Late arrivals forfeit their tour. You will not receive a refund. Always allow extra time for the 45 to 75 minute drive from the park entrance.