In short
- Takes 45 to 75 minutes from the park entrance.
- Drive covers roughly 20 miles (32 km).
- Road is steep, narrow, and winding.
In this article
Getting to Cliff Palace requires careful planning and extra travel time. The site sits deep within Mesa Verde National Park at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet. You must drive your own vehicle or book a guided shuttle tour, as the park does not operate a public transit system.
How long is the drive to Cliff Palace?
Expect the drive from the Mesa Verde National Park entrance to the Cliff Palace Loop to take 45 to 75 minutes.
The route covers approximately 20 miles (32 km) on the main park road. Traffic and weather can affect your travel time. Late arrivals forfeit their tour with no refunds, so leave early.
What are the road conditions like?
The park road is steep, narrow, and winding as it climbs the mesa.
Drive carefully and observe posted speed limits. There is no cell service at the trailhead. You must print or download your tour reservation before driving up the mountain.
Where does the drive start?
The drive begins at the Mesa Verde National Park entrance on US Highway 160.
From the entrance, you will drive south and follow the main park road directly to the Cliff Palace Loop. Stop for fuel before entering the park, as services are limited.
Do I have to pay to drive to Cliff Palace?
Yes, you must pay the park entrance fee to drive the road to Cliff Palace.
The fee is $30 per private vehicle during the summer season. In the winter, the fee drops to $20. This fee is separate from the $8.00 per person Cliff Palace tour ticket.
Can I take a tour to get there?
Yes, guided tours provide transportation from nearby towns directly into Mesa Verde National Park.
Booking a guided driving tour allows you to skip navigating the steep roads yourself. Some tours include park entry passes and the $8.00 Cliff Palace tickets. Check your specific tour details to see what is included.
What happens if I am late for my tour?
If you arrive late for your scheduled ranger-guided tour, you will forfeit your ticket.
The National Park Service does not issue refunds for late arrivals. Always allow at least 75 minutes for the drive. Add extra time to find parking and walk to the tour starting point.
Questions travellers ask
Is there cell service on the drive to Cliff Palace?
No, cell service drops out near the trailhead. You must download or physically print your tour reservation before arriving at the park.
How far is the walk from the parking lot?
The total walking distance on the tour trail is 1/4 mile (0.4 km). This requires navigating uneven stone steps and four separate ladders.
Where is Mesa Verde National Park located?
Mesa Verde National Park is located near Cortez, Colorado, just off US Highway 160.
