"Recent studies reveal that Cliff Palace contained 150 rooms and 23 kivas and had a population of approximately 100 people," according to the NPS. "Out of the nearly 600 cliff dwellings concentrated within the boundaries of the park, 75% contain only 1-5 rooms each, and many are single room storage units." Due to the extravagance of the Cliff Palace, experts believe that it "was a social, administrative site with high ceremonial usage."

Even if you get to explore the entire Palace, at just 0.4 miles this is still a very short hike. The stairs to descend into the canyon and climb back up to the rim add a level of strenuousness, but this hike is non-technical. For a more extended hike, be sure to check out Petroglyph Point.