In short
- Tickets cost $8.00 per person (ages 3 and up).
- Booking opens exactly 14 days in advance at 8:00 am MDT.
- You must download or print tickets before arrival.
In this article
Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in North America. You can only enter the site on a 45-minute ranger-guided tour. Daily capacity is limited. You must secure your spot online before you arrive at Mesa Verde National Park.
How much do Cliff Palace tickets cost?
Tour tickets cost $8.00 per person for anyone ages 3 and up.
This $8.00 fee only covers the ranger-guided tour. It does not include park entry. You must also pay a separate $30 park entrance fee per private vehicle upon arrival (summer rate).
When do Cliff Palace reservations open?
Tickets go on sale exactly 14 days in advance at 8:00 am Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).
Tours run seasonally from early May to late October. Tickets sell out rapidly during peak summer months. Log onto Recreation.gov a few minutes before 8:00 am MDT to secure your preferred tour time.
Where do I buy tickets?
All official tour tickets are sold exclusively through Recreation.gov.
You cannot purchase tickets at the Mesa Verde National Park entrance gate or visitor center. You must use the website or the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Do commercial guided tours include Cliff Palace tickets?
Some commercial tours include your ticket and handle the booking process for you.
If you prefer not to drive or manage the 14-day reservation window, book a commercial guided tour. Options like the Express Tour provide round-trip transport from Durango and include your official cliff dwelling ticket.
What are the ticket download rules?
You must physically print your ticket or download it to your phone before arriving.
There is no cell phone service at the Cliff Palace trailhead. If you arrive without a downloaded or printed reservation, rangers cannot verify your ticket. You will not be allowed to join the tour.
Can you see Cliff Palace without paying for a tour?
Yes, you can view the entire dwelling from the Cliff Palace Overlook for free.
If tickets are sold out, drive the Cliff Palace Loop to the overlook. This viewpoint offers excellent photography angles of the 150-room structure. You can also view it from across the canyon at the Sun Temple stop.
| Viewing Option | Cost | Advance Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Ranger-guided Tour | $8.00 per person | Yes (14 days) |
| Cliff Palace Overlook | Free (with park entry) | No |
| Sun Temple Viewpoint | Free (with park entry) | No |
Questions travellers ask
What happens if I miss my tour time?
Late arrivals forfeit their tour. The park does not offer refunds if you miss your scheduled time. Allow 45 to 75 minutes to drive from the park entrance to the parking lot.
Are infant tickets required?
Children under 3 do not pay the $8.00 fee. However, infants must ride in a secure hands-free carrier. Adults carrying infants must be able to climb four ladders safely.
Can I buy tickets at the trailhead?
No. There is no ticket booth and no cell service at the trailhead. All reservations must be completed online before you travel to the park.
