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Mesa Verde NP, Colorado
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Located in Mesa Verde National Park, Cliff Palace contains 150 rooms and 23 kivas, making it the largest cliff dwelling in North America.
The Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, constructed Cliff Palace around 1190 AD.
The site was deserted by the Ancestral Puebloans by the late 13th century, likely due to prolonged drought and resource depletion.
Ranchers Richard Wetherill and Charlie Mason stumbled upon Cliff Palace in 1888 while searching for stray cattle.
The dry climate of the region helped preserve the structures, while the National Park Service has undertaken conservation efforts since the early 20th century.
Mesa Verde National Park, including Cliff Palace, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 for its archaeological significance.
Due to preservation efforts and weather conditions, guided tours of Cliff Palace are typically available from late spring to early fall.
