Explore
Chapin Mesa is the most accessible and heavily visited section of Mesa Verde National Park. It contains the largest cliff dwellings and a major scenic driving route.
Most visitors spend the majority of their day exploring Chapin Mesa. It features the park's most famous structures, including Cliff Palace and Balcony House. You will need to book ranger-led tours in advance to enter these specific dwellings.
This area sits at a high elevation and requires a 45-minute drive (21 miles) from the park entrance. Pack plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Access to the main cliff dwellings requires climbing wooden ladders and steep, uneven stone steps.
1 hourReservation required
Cliff Palace is the largest known cliff dwelling in North America. It contains over 150 rooms and 23 kivas. You must book a ranger-led tour on Recreation.gov to enter the site. Be prepared to climb steep, uneven steps and wooden ladders.
1 hourLadders and crawling
Balcony House is an adventurous site known for its challenging access. You will climb a 32-foot entrance ladder and crawl through a narrow tunnel to enter. Avoid this tour if you have claustrophobia or a fear of heights.
1-2 hours6-mile loop
This 6-mile driving loop traces 700 years of Ancestral Puebloan history. You can stop at various surface sites and canyon overlooks. Download or pick up an audio guide to listen to historical context at each stop.
30 minsOverlook views
Spruce Tree House is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the park. The site itself is currently closed to entry due to rockfall risk. You can still view and photograph the ruins from a designated overlook near the museum.
