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 https://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 https://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
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