Mesa Verde, Colorado

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace is a short drive from the museum. One must first purchase tickets at the museum prior to driving to the site. This tour is led by a park ranger and seem to be limited to 30 or so people.

The first photo is a shot of the ruins from across the canyon. As you can see, the previous tour group is at the bottom with their ranger.

One meets the ranger at an overlook located above the Cliff House, shown in the photograph below.

After the ranger's briefing, the group descends about 100 feet in elevation down irregular steps carved into the rocks. Although a bit narrow in spots, it's fairly easy to traverse. The next two photographs were taken just as we approached the ruins from below.

Naturally, one is not permitted to wander through the site itself. However, you do get an up-close look. While you are enjoying and clicking away, the ranger provides an excellent briefing about the ruins.

The climb back to the top is a little more demanding. The photo below shows the irregular steps and the first of three ladders high above.