Colorado

"Cliff Palace Anasazi Indian Ruins #2"

September 2012, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling not only in Mesa Verde National Park, but in all of North America. This spectacular community was built by the Anasazi somewhere around year 1200. The ruin contains more than 150 structures, including 8 ceremonial kivas which are easily identified by their round shapes.

This image shows only a very small portion of the ruin. Four kivas can be seen along with spruce ladders which the Anasazi would have used to access the different levels of the structures. Although not shown in this picture, the entire community is situated within an enormous alcove high up the face of a cliff, providing shelter from the elements. The alcove is no doubt largely responsible for the amazing condition of the 800-year old ruin.

AnasaziColoradoIndian RuinsMesa Verdecliff palaceancientcliff dwellerspueblo indians