Mesa Verde National Park preserves some of North America’s most significant archaeological sites. The park, set in the rugged canyons of southwestern Colorado, protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including more than 600 cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans. It has designations as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (in 1978) and an International Dark Sky Park (in 2021).
These stone-built homes, tucked into the alcoves of steep canyon walls, offer a glimpse into a community that thrived here for over 700 years. Each site provides a different view into the architectural skills, daily life, and cultural legacy of the Ancestral Puebloan people.
Just seven miles from the park entrance, Mesa Verde Motel offers a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the park. Located in a walkable historic town, this boutique roadside motel is well-suited for travelers looking to stay close to the park without sacrificing amenities or local character.
Individual Cliff Dwelling Tour Experiences
Cliff Palace — The Crown Jewel Experience
Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in North America and one of the most iconic sites at Mesa Verde National Park. Built by the Ancestral Puebloans between 1190 and 1270, the structure contains more than 150 rooms and 20 kivas, or ceremonial spaces, ingeniously constructed within a natural alcove. Its layout and size suggest it was a central gathering place for social, administrative, and ceremonial activities.
Access to Cliff Palace is available only through ranger-guided Mesa Verde tours. The 30-minute experience covers approximately a quarter mile and involves descending and climbing 160 steps, some of which are steep and uneven. While some sections of the Cliff Palace trail have metal handrails, not all areas — including those with ladders and uneven steps — are equipped with them. Visitors should be prepared for moderate physical exertion. If you’re looking for a less strenuous option, you can view Cliff Palace from the overlook, which is reachable by a paved path and a single flight of stairs, avoiding the more difficult parts of the trail.
From an architectural perspective, Cliff Palace is an archaeological marvel. The sandstone walls, mortar, and wooden beams reflect advanced building techniques and thoughtful planning. Despite its age, much of the structure remains remarkably preserved, offering a clear view into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloan people who once lived here.
Photography is a highlight of the Cliff Palace experience. The best views for photos of the entire dwelling aren’t necessarily while you’re on the tour, but from the overlook near Sun Temple on the Mesa Top Loop Road, especially in late afternoon light when the west-facing alcove is fully illuminated. Tour participants also have limited time to photograph the site from within the alcove during the guided visit.
Tour reservations [Link to the Mesa Verde Tour Reservations post when it’s available.] are strongly recommended and cost $8 per person.
Balcony House — The Adventure Tour
Balcony House offers one of the most physically demanding and exciting experiences in Mesa Verde National Park. This ranger-guided tour is best known for its steep ladders, tight passageways, and dramatic setting high on a cliff face.
Visitors climb a 32-foot ladder to enter the dwelling, crawl through an 18-inch-wide tunnel, and navigate additional ladders and steps to complete the loop. These challenges make Balcony House one of the most memorable Mesa Verde adventure tours.
The tour lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, covers about a quarter mile, and includes approximately 160 uneven stone steps. It is rated as difficult due to the physical demands and exposure to heights. Participants must be able to climb multiple ladders without assistance and navigate confined spaces. Because of these requirements, Balcony House tours are not recommended for those with mobility limitations, balance concerns, or a fear of heights.
Architecturally, Balcony House is known for its narrow balcony ledge, which provided access between rooms. The dwelling’s defensive position — high in an alcove with controlled access points — suggests it may have served a protective purpose. Visitors can see how the location allowed for surveillance and security from within the site.
For those unable to participate, the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail offers a safe, accessible option for viewing Balcony House from a distance. This trail includes interpretive signage and views into the canyon, allowing all visitors to appreciate the site’s setting and structure.
Long House — The Wetherill Mesa Experience
Long House is Mesa Verde’s second-largest cliff dwelling, offering a more expansive, open-air experience than other sites. Built into a broad alcove on Wetherill Mesa, this archaeological site contains over 150 rooms and features multiple kivas, a spring, and evidence of multi-story construction. Its impressive scale and layout suggest it served as a significant community center for the Ancestral Puebloans living in the region.
To reach Long House, visitors must drive 12 miles along Wetherill Mesa Road, a seasonal route open only during warmer months. From the Wetherill Mesa parking lot, it’s a 20-minute walk (approximately 0.75 miles) to the trailhead. The ranger-guided tour includes additional walking, some elevation change, and access to restored site sections.
Because of its location on the quieter side of the park, Long House offers a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds. The site is well preserved, and visitors can often see architectural details up close, including original masonry, ventilator shafts, and water collection features.
Many visitors combine Long House with Step House, which is accessible nearby and can be explored without a guide. This combination makes Wetherill Mesa tours especially appealing to those interested in remote cliff dwellings or looking for a longer day of exploration.
Step House — The Self-Guided Discovery
Step House offers a unique look at two distinct periods of Ancestral Puebloan life within a single site. The alcove includes remains from an earlier Basket Maker occupation dating to A.D. 626 and a later masonry pueblo constructed around A.D. 1226. This dual occupation makes Step House one of the most informative archaeological sites in Mesa Verde, showing how life and architecture evolved over the span of 800 years.
Unlike cliff dwellings requiring reservations, Step House is open for self-guided exploration between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visitors are free to walk through the site at their own pace, and a ranger is typically present to answer questions and provide interpretation. This flexible format allows for closer observation of architectural details, rock art, and building methods used during different time periods.
The trail to Step House is a 1.2-mile loop with a 157-foot elevation gain. Most visitors complete it in under 45 minutes, making it a manageable option for those looking for a moderately challenging walk. Located on Wetherill Mesa, it’s accessible via the same 12-mile drive required to reach Long House, allowing both sites to be visited on the same trip.
Step House is especially valuable for visitors interested in the long-term habitation of the Mesa Verde region. By seeing structures from two separate eras in one location, guests better understand how environmental, cultural, and social factors shaped life in this area over centuries.
Square Tower House — The Mesa Top Experience
Square Tower House is one of the most visually striking cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park and features the tallest structure in the park — a four-story masonry tower rising from the alcove floor. This site is part of the Mesa Top Loop Road, a 6-mile scenic drive with several overlooks and interpretive stops highlighting the development of Ancestral Puebloan architecture.
Visitors can view Square Tower House from a designated overlook, which offers clear cross-canyon views into the alcove. The overlook is located just off the loop road and is accessible via a short paved path, making it a strong option for those with limited mobility. Interpretive signs provide archaeological context and details about the site’s construction and significance.
While most guests experience the site from the overlook, ranger-guided tours are occasionally available for those interested in a closer look. These tours require reservations [Link to the Mesa Verde tour reservations post.] and involve hiking into the canyon, which may not be suitable for everyone. However, the overlook remains one of the best opportunities to see a cliff dwelling up close without strenuous effort.
The Mesa Top Loop Road connects several key archaeological sites and is ideal for visitors who want to explore the park by vehicle. Square Tower House is a highlight of this route, combining scenic views with accessibility and educational value.
Site Closures and Photography Opportunities
While many iconic sites at Mesa Verde are open to visitors, some areas may be closed due to preservation efforts or infrastructure upgrades. It’s a good idea to check current conditions before your visit to avoid surprises.
Why Some Sites Are Closed
- Preservation is a central focus at Mesa Verde National Park. Spruce Tree House has been closed to the public since 2015 due to rockfall risks but remains visible from overlooks near the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, where signs explain the site and closure.
- Protecting archaeological resources requires balancing public access with long-term conservation. Many cliff dwellings are over 700 years old, and the park actively works to stabilize structures and prevent further erosion.
- Visitor safety is also a priority. The park’s high elevation — between 7,000 and 8,500 feet — combined with steep trails, ladders, and uneven terrain, can be physically demanding. Staying alert and following ranger instructions helps keep guests safe and protects fragile sites.
- Mesa Verde supports more than 1,000 plant and animal species, including rare and endemic wildlife. Preserving this habitat is part of the park’s broader stewardship mission.
- The park also partners with 27 affiliated pueblos and tribes to preserve and interpret ancestral sites with cultural respect. For those unable to access closed areas, alternative views are available along trails like Soda Canyon and Mesa Top Loop Road.
Photography Opportunities
For photography enthusiasts, Mesa Verde offers numerous vantage points to capture the beauty of these ancient structures.
- Cliff Palace, facing west, is best photographed in the late afternoon from the observation platform or the Sun Temple area.
- Balcony House, facing east, offers optimal lighting in the morning and can be viewed from the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail.
- Square Tower House is illuminated in the afternoon, with the most dramatic lighting around 5:30 p.m., visible from the Mesa Top Road.
- Step House, facing east, is in full sun during the morning and shaded in the afternoon, allowing for varied photographic opportunities.
Mesa Verde National Park provides more information about opportunities for photographers on their website.
Staying at Mesa Verde Motel
At Mesa Verde Motel, we offer more than just a place to sleep. Located in the heart of historic Mancos, Colorado, our boutique roadside motel is just seven miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park. It’s an ideal starting point for exploring the park and the surrounding Four Corners region.
Our rooms are creative, clean, and thoughtfully designed for travelers who appreciate comfort and convenience. Whether returning from a hike or heading out early for a tour, you’ll find everything you need right here. Guests often gather around our outdoor fire pit in the evenings to swap stories and watch the stars. The M Bar Coffee Shop offers locally roasted coffee and breakfast bites in the mornings. At the end of the day, the M Bar & Lounge is a relaxed place to enjoy cocktails and conversation.
Staying in Mancos means you’re close to more than just Mesa Verde. Our location puts you within reach of the San Juan Skyway, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and skiing in Telluride. If you plan to visit the Four Corners Monument or explore the Canyons of the Ancients, you’ll find they’re an easy drive from here.
Visitors tell us they appreciate the nostalgic feel of our motel — something that recalls classic Americana road trips — combined with updated amenities and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re here for a national park adventure or a scenic road trip through southwestern Colorado, we’re ready to be your home base.
Your Mesa Verde Visit: Final Tips and Takeaways
Mesa Verde National Park offers an unforgettable look into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans through five unique cliff-dwelling tours. From the sweeping scale of Cliff Palace to the physical challenge of Balcony House, and from the self-paced exploration of Step House to the expansive setting of Long House and the scenic accessibility of Square Tower House, each site provides a different perspective on the architectural skill and community life of this ancient culture.
Tour difficulty levels range from easy walks with overlook views to more demanding climbs involving ladders and tight spaces. Visitors should consider their physical abilities, the park’s elevation, and time constraints when choosing which tours to book. Cliff dwelling tour recommendations are available through park resources, and reservations are essential during peak season.For the best travel accommodations near the park, our boutique motel offers a convenient location just seven miles from the entrance. We combine comfort and character with easy access to ranger-led tours, scenic drives, and nearby attractions. Book your stay with us today.