Photography

Cliff Palace is bathed in full morning light in early autumn.

NPS

Cliff Dwelling Photography Tips

Cliff dwellings are open only from late spring through early fall and most require a reservation on a tour to enter. During the off-season, photos may be taken from the overlooks above the cliff dwellings, weather permitting. Most of the cliff dwellings are best photographed in mid-to-late afternoon.

It is easier to get good color pictures than black and white as color will separate the similar tonal qualities of the cliff and the dwelling walls. However, If you have an adjustable lens, close the lens down at least 1/2 stop from what the photo meter indicates (spot meters excepted). For example, in black and white photography the front walls of Cliff Palace will give your meter a false light reading. We suggest you bracket your settings on Cliff Palace exposures.

For more pointers to help your summer snapshots look more like professional photographs, see the Amateur Photographer’s Guide to Mesa Verde National Park (pdf, 317 kb).

 

Best Times to Photograph by Season

June to September	3:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
October to November	2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
December to March	2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
April to May	2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

During mid and late fall and early and mid spring the sun is lower in the southern sky and more light strikes the cliff dwellings. Winter light is generally less bright. On overcast days the soft light allows for photos to be taken that will show good details and subtle colors. During the winter months there is less vegetation obstructing views from the overlooks after the scrub oak has lost its leaves for the season.

 

Site Specific Photography Tips

CHAPIN MESA

Spruce Tree House

Located near the Chapin mesa Archeological Museum. There is a panoramic view from the trail to the site. The site faces west and is best photographed in the afternoon. The site is self-guided most of the year. During the winter, free ranger-guided tours are available (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day).

Cliff Palace

Located on Cliff Palace Loop Road. There is an excellent view from observation platform. Good views can also be found within the site and from Sun Temple area. Cliff Palace faces west and is best photographed in the late afternoon. Cameras should have shoulder strap as you must climb five eight foot ladders in the site and will need both hands free. Tickets for guided tours are available at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, and the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez. This site can only be visited while on a guided tour with a ranger. Purchase tickets before going to Cliff Palace.

Balcony House

Located on Cliff Palace Loop Road and is not visible from the parking area. To view Balcony House from a distance follow the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail. The trail is 3/4 mile one way; a 1.5 mile round trip. Using a telephoto lens is recommended for best results. The parking for the overlook trail is less than 1/4 mile beyond the Balcony House parking area. Balcony House faces east and the site is in full sun throughout the morning. Balcony House is fully shaded during the afternoons. Close-up shots can be taken on tour. Cameras should have shoulder strap as you must climb a 32-foot high ladder and will need both hands free. This site can only be visited while on a ranger-guided tour. Tickets for guided tours are available at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, and the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez. Purchase tickets before going to Balcony House.

Square Tower House Overlook

Located on the Mesa Top Road. In sunlight all afternoon though most graphic about 5:30 p.m. The road is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset.

Fewkes Canyon Overlook

Located on the Mesa Top Loop Road. A number of different cliff dwellings can be photographed all afternoon from these overlooks. The road is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset.

Sun Temple

Located on the Mesa Top Loop Road. Sun Temple is a mesa top site and is hard to photograph. A wide angle lens is helpful. The site is in direct light all day and is self-guided from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. There is also a good view of Cliff Palace from the Sun Temple parking area.

Far View Sites Complex

Located four miles north of the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum on the main road. Located on Mesa top, these sites are in direct sunlight all day. A wide angle lens is helpful and site is self-guided from 8:00 a.m. until sunset

 

WETHERILL MESA

The sites on Wetherill Mesa are only open during the summer months, from late May through mid-October, depending on the weather. Go to the Wetherill Mesa webpage to learn when the road opens and closes daily, and how to explore the area on foot, bicycle, or a guided ranger tour.

Long House

Faces to the south-southwest. Good shots are possible throughout the day. This site is seen from an overlook which can be reached by bicycle or on foot. To enter the site, review the guided tour details then purchase a reservation for a guided tour from Recreation.gov. Photographers must stay with the group and take pictures accordingly. Purchase tickets before going to Wetherill Mesa.

Step House

Faces east. The site is in full sun throughout the morning and is fully in the shades in the afternoon. This site is self-guided and lends itself to a leisurely visit with plenty of time to find a good shot.

Badger House Community

This area is comprised of pithouses and mesa top pueblo sites. Protective ramadas keep all sites in the shade during the day.

Long House and Kodak House Overlooks

The best photographs from both overlooks are taken in the afternoon.