When you see the word “palace,” what first comes to mind? An extravagant Taj Mahal-type building? Maybe Princess Jasmine’s home in Aladdin? The Mitchell Corn Palace in South Dakota? There are countless palaces that exist throughout the world, yet none seem to hold the history or intrigue of Mesa Verde National Park’s Cliff Palace in Colorado. Here’s more on this fascinating landmark hiding in the Centennial State.
Please note, the Cliff Palace is temporarily closed.
Located inside of Mesa Verde National Park, Cliff Palace is said to be the largest cliff dwelling in the country.
Wikimedia Commons
Built by Ancestral Puebloans between 1190 CE and 1260 CE, Cliff Palace was designed amidst a steep cliff in order to protect the locals from inclement weather, enemy tribes, and even native wildlife.
Flickr/Angelo Domini
Because of a devastating drought and lack of food, the cliffs were abandoned in 1300 and remained forgotten until local farmers stumbled upon the sandstone, mortar, and wooden dwellings in 1888.
Flickr/carfull…home in Mongolia
Today, Cliff Palace and the other 52,485 acres of Mesa Verde National Park can be seen either with a knowledgable tour guide (which we recommend) or on your own by visiting this designated World Heritage Site and U.S. National Register of Historic Places listee.
Flickr/Jacqueline Poggi
Without a doubt, the Cliff Palace in Colorado is among the state’s most fascinating wonders. Each time you visit, you’re bound to find a newfound appreciation for the landscape and the Ancestral Puebloans who lived there.
Flickr/fine_plan
Wikimedia Commons
Flickr/Angelo Domini
Flickr/carfull…home in Mongolia
Flickr/Jacqueline Poggi
Flickr/fine_plan
Have you ever visited the Cliff Palace in Colorado? What was your experience there like? To learn even more about this amazing area, be sure to read these 12 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Mesa Verde In Colorado. You can also visit the official Mesa Verde National Park for details about planning your visit.
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Address: Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
cliff palace in Colorado November 18, 2020 Beth C. Are there any castles in Colorado? Few people associate the state of Colorado with castles, but the Centennial State is home to several of these majestic structures. The following is a list of must-see castles in Colorado: Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs, Palmer Castle – also known as Glen Eyrie Castle – in Colorado Springs, Bishop Castle in Pueblo, Dunafon Castle near Idledale, Redstone Castle near Carbondale, and Richthofen Castle in Denver. Does Colorado have any natural wonders? If you’re curious to explore Colorado’s natural wonders, you have your work cut out for you. That’s because there are so many natural wonders in Colorado that you could easily devote a lifetime to experiencing all of them. Some of the most noteworthy natural landmarks in Colorado include Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Royal Gorge in Canon City, Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Alamosa, Maroon Bells in Aspen, and Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs. How many of these natural gems have you visited? What are the top places to visit in Colorado? Planning a trip to Colorado means figuring out where you want to explore while you’re there. One of the top places in the state is the town of Telluride, located high up in the Rocky Mountains. Despite being a relatively small town, there are tons of things to do in Telluride. In fact, there are over 2,000 acres for skiing. It’s also a haven for hikers, cyclists, paragliders, and festival-goers.
The OIYS Visitor Center
cliff palace in Colorado
November 18, 2020
Beth C.
Are there any castles in Colorado? Few people associate the state of Colorado with castles, but the Centennial State is home to several of these majestic structures. The following is a list of must-see castles in Colorado: Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs, Palmer Castle – also known as Glen Eyrie Castle – in Colorado Springs, Bishop Castle in Pueblo, Dunafon Castle near Idledale, Redstone Castle near Carbondale, and Richthofen Castle in Denver. Does Colorado have any natural wonders? If you’re curious to explore Colorado’s natural wonders, you have your work cut out for you. That’s because there are so many natural wonders in Colorado that you could easily devote a lifetime to experiencing all of them. Some of the most noteworthy natural landmarks in Colorado include Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Royal Gorge in Canon City, Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Alamosa, Maroon Bells in Aspen, and Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs. How many of these natural gems have you visited? What are the top places to visit in Colorado? Planning a trip to Colorado means figuring out where you want to explore while you’re there. One of the top places in the state is the town of Telluride, located high up in the Rocky Mountains. Despite being a relatively small town, there are tons of things to do in Telluride. In fact, there are over 2,000 acres for skiing. It’s also a haven for hikers, cyclists, paragliders, and festival-goers.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Few people associate the state of Colorado with castles, but the Centennial State is home to several of these majestic structures. The following is a list of must-see castles in Colorado: Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs, Palmer Castle – also known as Glen Eyrie Castle – in Colorado Springs, Bishop Castle in Pueblo, Dunafon Castle near Idledale, Redstone Castle near Carbondale, and Richthofen Castle in Denver.
Does Colorado have any natural wonders?
If you’re curious to explore Colorado’s natural wonders, you have your work cut out for you. That’s because there are so many natural wonders in Colorado that you could easily devote a lifetime to experiencing all of them. Some of the most noteworthy natural landmarks in Colorado include Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Royal Gorge in Canon City, Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Alamosa, Maroon Bells in Aspen, and Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs. How many of these natural gems have you visited?
What are the top places to visit in Colorado?
Planning a trip to Colorado means figuring out where you want to explore while you’re there. One of the top places in the state is the town of Telluride, located high up in the Rocky Mountains. Despite being a relatively small town, there are tons of things to do in Telluride. In fact, there are over 2,000 acres for skiing. It’s also a haven for hikers, cyclists, paragliders, and festival-goers.
