Tree-ring dating indicates that construction and refurbishing of Cliff Palace was continuous approximately from 1190 AD through 1260 AD, although the major portion of the building was done within a 20-year time span. The Ancestral Puebloans who constructed this cliff dwelling and the others like it at Mesa Verde were driven to these defensible positions by “increasing competition amidst changing climatic conditions”. Cliff Palace was abandoned by 1300, though debate is ongoing as to the cause.
Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in North America. The structure built by the Ancestral Puebloans is located in Mesa Verde National Park in their former homeland region.
Highly recommend taking the tour if anyone makes it to Mesa Verde National Park (CO), which they should.
View from a bit away.
View through a window looking into the main area.
View from just in other side of previous window, with a view out into the valley.
Looking down into the Kiva
Elevation 7,000 ft but hike is just a few flights of stairs worth of ladder climbs.