Perfect photo spot for the Cliff Palace from the Cliff Palace Loop. The palace consists of at least 150 rooms and was home for around 100 people. One assumes that Cliff Palace was a social, administrative site with high ceremonial usage.

The loop trail brings you to the palace, the Balcony House and other view points for cliff dwellings. It is open from 8 am to sunset.

Sigrid

October 17, 2025

Hiking

The Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, is the largest and most famous cliff dwelling in North America and an architectural masterpiece of the Ancestral Pueblo people. It was built between 1190 and 1280 in a rock niche in the canyon wall from sandstone blocks, mortar, and wooden beams. The settlement housed approximately 100 people and served as a social and ceremonial center. The site can only be visited as part of a ranger-led tour, which involves descending uneven steps and several ladders.

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Best routes to Cliff Palace View & Loop Trail

1. Cliff Palace Loop Trail & (Guided) Balcony House Loop Trail — Mesa Verde National Park

5.55km

01:38

160m

Climb ladders and crawl through tunnels to explore North America's largest cliff dwelling firsthand.

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2. Cliff Palace View & Loop Trail loop from Towaoc

5.08km

01:26

110m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Informations

Elevation 2,050 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 18 February

4°C

-6°C

89 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 31.0 km/h

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Location: Montezuma County, Colorado, United States

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Cliff Palace View & Loop Trail

1. Cliff Palace Loop Trail & (Guided) Balcony House Loop Trail — Mesa Verde National Park

2. Cliff Palace View & Loop Trail loop from Towaoc

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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