Are dogs allowed on Cliff Palace Loop Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Cliff Palace Loop Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Cliff Palace Loop Trail?

No, Cliff Palace Loop Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Cliff Palace Loop Trail?

Cliff Palace Loop Trail is rated easy. It is 0.4 miles long with 161 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Cliff Palace Loop Trail suitable for kids?

Yes, Cliff Palace Loop Trail is considered kid-friendly. As always with children, bring water and snacks, pace yourself, and watch for weather changes and wildlife.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Colorado trail conditions

EasyLoop

Mesa Verde National Park/Colorado

Cliff Palace Loop Trail

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

0.4 mi

Distance

161 ft

Elev. Gain

11m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The tour involves climbing five, 10, and 30 feet ladders on a 100 foot vertical climb. The total walking distance is about a quarter of a mile.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:2,047 ft

Max:2,083 ft

49 ft

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:970-529-4465
Address:Mile .7 Headquarters Loop Road · Mesa Verde National Park, CO · 81330

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting unit

CO Unit 73

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Colorado hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Cliff Palace Loop Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting unit

Nearby Trails

Soda Canyon Overlook Trail

Balcony House Loop Trail

Balcony House Loop Trail

Mesa Top Loop Road

Petroglyph Point Trail

Farming Terraces Trail

Other trails in Mesa Verde National Park

Petroglyph Point Trail

Soda Canyon Overlook Trail

Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail

Balcony House Loop Trail

Long House Trail

Knife Edge Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Morefield Campground - Mesa Verde National Park

Uravan Ballpark Campground

Bright Star Campground

Sleeping Ute RV Park

Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

Mesa Verde RV Resort

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