Cliff Palace Trail

Overview

This is the short approach/exit path used on the ranger-led Cliff Palace tour. It’s a 0.4-mile loop (total) with roughly 114 feet of gain—brief but punchy thanks to steep stone steps, narrow passages, and ladders. Expect limited shade and the extra effort that comes with ~7,000 feet of elevation. The walking portion itself is quick, but the full tour experience typically runs about an hour.

Why Go

Cliff Palace is the park’s headliner—the largest cliff dwelling here—with about 150 rooms and 23 kivas. Seeing it up close, tucked into a massive sandstone alcove, makes the short, steep approach worth the effort. If you can’t or don’t want to do ladders, you can still see Cliff Palace impressively from mesa-top overlooks without entering the dwelling.

Logistics and Tickets

Entry into Cliff Palace is by ranger-guided tour only, and tickets are highly sought-after. Reserve in advance (they’re released shortly ahead of time and often sell out). Tours operate seasonally, generally May through October. The Cliff Palace Loop Road that serves the area runs 8 am to sunset from late spring until December 1 or the first significant snowfall. The tour area is deep in the park—plan 75–90 minutes from the entrance, and arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in and safety briefing. Download maps ahead of time; cell service can be spotty.

Trail Experience

The path drops and climbs via uneven stone steps and several short ladders. You’ll descend into the alcove, tour the dwelling with your ranger, then climb back out on more steps and ladders. You must keep both hands free on ladders, so stow water and cameras accordingly. Footing can be worn and slick in places; sturdy closed-toe shoes are essential. Heat builds quickly on sun-exposed rock—carry plenty of water and a hat.

Alternatives and Views

If tickets are gone—or ladders aren’t in your comfort zone—take in excellent views from the Cliff Palace Overlook along the loop road, or from the Sun Temple viewpoint across the canyon. For another ladder-free perspective on cliff dwellings nearby, the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (about 1.2 miles roundtrip) offers easy, rim-top vistas.

Best Time to Hike

May through October is prime, but it’s also busy. In warm months, morning tours are cooler and catch more shade in the alcove. Midday can be hot and glary. Afternoon winds sometimes kick up on the rim. Regardless of season, build in extra time for parking and queues—this is one of the park’s most popular experiences.