How difficult is the Cliff Palace Tour at Mesa Verde National Park Colorado
The Cliff Palace is one of a few Cliff Dwelling tours you can explore while visiting Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. You need to secure a tour pass before visiting the park and can be purchased on www.recreation.gov/ The window for getting your pass opens two weeks before the date you plan on taking the tour. I highly recommend that you get online first thing in the morning because it fills up fast. MOST IMPORTANT! Take a screenshot of your pass or have a paper print out. Cell service on the Mesa Loop is near impossible and I wouldn’t want to take a chance.
Be aware that the drive from the main entrance to the cliff dwellings will take you about an hour. Not kidding… It's a timely drive.
Also bring lots of water, good hiking shoes and sunscreen especially if you plan to visit during the summer months. The Cliff Palace tour is rated as moderate and for some it might seem difficult so make sure you feel you can make this hike before you reserve your ticket. If you purchased a ticket but then feel you can’t make it, still show up early to your designated time… there is a good chance someone is waiting there that wants to go but didn't make a reservation. That actually happened when we took the Cliff Palace tour. Dawn decided she shouldn’t take the tour and we were able to help out someone who needed a pass.
Check out the National Park web site www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm for more information on how you need to prepare for your visit.
I hope you enjoy this part of our experience..
Safe Travels!
Steve, Dawn, and Sierra
Music Licensing:
Tumbleweed Texas - Chris Haugen
KZhead Music Library
Music clips may have been shortened or lengthened to better match the length of the vid
Thanks for showing that you were able to do that tour.
I watched this video several times to make sure this tour was doable for me. I’m not young, thin or very fit. I decided to give this a try anyway. Two weeks prior to the tour, I began to work out by biking and hill climbing. The pace of the tour was very slow, so it didn’t seem strenuous at all. The only challenge was the ladders. I would make sure your thighs are fit enough to climb four 8-10 foot ladders. I am afraid of heights but never felt unsafe. The stairs are definitely steep, but there are hand holds. Our guide warned us to think carefully about our fitness level. I was a little unsure, but I’m so glad I went. Thanks for the tips.
Hiking has it's challenges, in particular at altitude. Enjoyable, but can be a lot of work and effort. Always, take care and don't push it. Not sure I would even try so congrats! Take care.
How long does it take to get to cliff Palace from the entrance? I’d like to book a morning tour but want to ensure we have enough drive time
Allow an hour from the visitor center to get to the cliff dwellings. Also make sure you take a screen shot of your timed pass before you leave good wifi. Have fun!