Cliff Palace - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Spending a day at Cliff Palace is a great way to experience the history and culture of the area. The first thing you'll want to do is take a tour of the cliff dwellings. The guides are very knowledgeable and can answer any questions you have. Next, be sure to visit the gift shop. There are a variety of items, both local and imported, that make great souvenirs. You can also pick up a map of the area so you can explore on your own. Finally, don't forget to stop by the cafe for a bite to eat. The food is delicious and reasonably priced.

Tree-ring dating indicates that construction and refurbishing of Cliff Palace was continuous approximately from 1190 CE through 1260 CE, although the major portion of the building was done within a 20-year time span. The Ancestral Puebloans, also known as Anasazi, who constructed this cliff dwelling and the others like it at Mesa Verde were driven to these defensible positions by "increasing competition amidst changing climatic conditions". Cliff Palace was abandoned by 1300, and while debate remains as to the causes of this, some believe that a series of megadroughts interrupting food production systems is the main cause. Cliff Palace was rediscovered in 1888 by Richard Wetherill and Charlie Mason while they were out looking for stray cattle. 

The best time to visit Cliff Palace is between May and September when the weather is warm and there is less chance of snow and ice. During this time of year, the days are long and there are plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. From ranger-led tours to evening programs, there is something for everyone at Cliff Palace.

1. Don't attempt to climb the cliff face - it is dangerous and strictly prohibited.
2. Plan your visit in advance. Cliff Palace is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to book your tickets in advance.
3. Leave your pets at home . Pets are not allowed inside the gate for safety reasons.
4. Be respectful of the site. Remember that Cliff Palace is an archaeological site, not a amusement park. Please respect the rules and regulations in place to protect this fragile place.
5. Allow plenty of time for exploring. There's a lot to see at Cliff Palace, so don't try to rush through your visit. It's worth taking your time to really experience everything this amazing place has to offer.

1. Cliff Palace was constructed primarily out of sandstone, mortar and wooden beams. The sandstone was shaped using harder stones, and a mortar of soil, water and ash was used to hold everything together.
2. The site covers an area of about 33 acres. 
3. Cliff Palace consists of more than 150 rooms and 23 kivas, or ceremonial chambers.
4. Cliff Palace was declared a National Monument in 1908 and a World Heritage Site in 1978. 

While the exact amount of time required to explore Cliff Palace depends on the individual visitor, most people spend at least 2 to 3 hours touring the site. 

To reach Cliff Palace, drive southwest from Durango on Highway 550 for about 23 miles. Just before you reach the town of Silverton, turn left onto County Road 2 and follow it for about 9 miles until it dead-ends at the trailhead. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike to Cliff Palace is moderately strenuous, but it is well worth the effort. The trail winds through a stunning landscape of natural sandstone formations before emerging at the base of a cliff face.

The entrance fee for Cliff Palace is $15 per person. However, discounts are available for seniors, students, and members of the military. Children under the age of 16 are free.

The Palace is open every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.