Sun Temple

No matter which site you go to see at Mesa Verde, please make some time and stop at this site (no tickets or reservations required). This place is absolutely gorgeous and the canyon views around it are majestic.

Completely unique to the area and worth the short detour to see this structure researchers still really have no idea what it was used for. Great view of the cliff palace form here also!

Really not much to see here. Wish if the sun temple was visible. You get to a view of cliff palace from jere though.

This site is still a mystery to this day of its use and purpose according to the info boards. These ruins showcase some amazing engineering if you consider what they had to work with. It is hard to see inside the structure, but if you follow the path, there is a rock to stand on to get a glimpse inside.

The sun palace was nice. It’s actual purpose in this society was unknown, still a mystery... my children loved it! My favorite part is the Cliff Palace Viewpoint is a stone throw away. Unfortunately we went in the winter 🥶, middle of January, and the Cliff Palace is closed to the public. I’m assuming the ice and snow makes it a little dangerous.

The sun temple itself was kind of underwhelming with plenty of concrete on it. The area does offer some good views of Cliff Palace but you will get a better view at the cliff palace stop. There are a couple telescope/binoculars that allow you a better view of Cliff Palace.

Great views of the cliff palace and the sun temple is neat. There are also some great views of the canyon below.

A neat Mesa Top ruin you are free to explore. Close to Cliff Palace. This is a fairly extensive ruin.