Cliff Palace overview
Cliff Palace
There are many reasons to visit Cliff Palace, including its historical significance as one of the largest and best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Visitors can gain insight into the daily lives of the Ancestral Puebloans and their impressive engineering skills in constructing this complex dwelling.
One unique thing to see at Cliff Palace is the Kiva, a circular underground room that was used for religious and ceremonial purposes. The Kiva features intricate stonework and pillars that are still standing today. Visitors can also see the Cliff Palace's original plaster walls, which are decorated with ancient designs and symbols.
Another reason to visit Cliff Palace is the stunning views of the surrounding canyons and mountains. The site is situated at the base of a cliff, with a ravine running below, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
It is important to note that access to Cliff Palace is only available through ranger-guided tours. Visitors are urged to book their tours in advance, as they can fill up quickly during peak season.
Overall, Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, archaeology, and scenic beauty. A visit to this ancient cliff dwelling offers a unique experience and a glimpse into the fascinating history of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, campgrounds, fishing spots, and other landmarks so a quick visit can grow into a full day.
Parks
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Responsible visitation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site (BLM, NPS, state agency, or private owner) for access rules, permits, and seasonal closures before driving out.
- Stay on trail
- Many points of interest sit in fragile ecosystems. Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and give nesting birds and denning mammals plenty of space.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you. Remote sites often have no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, fossils, or artifacts. Federal law protects cultural and natural resources on public land.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Cliff Palace as a favorite, set a weather threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Cliff Palace
What is Cliff Palace?
A point of interest in Colorado tracked by Snoflo -- typically a scenic landmark, named summit, monument, or viewpoint.
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no public feeds.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get there?
Tap Directions in the hero above for Google Maps driving directions, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the spot.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this POI, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other points of interest near here
Snoflo-tracked landmarks within driving distance of Cliff Palace.