The two men rode across the Mesa or flat toped mountain. Spanish explorers had named it Mesa Verde or "green table", because it was covered with juniper trees.

 After hours of riding the cowboys came up to the edge of a deep canyon. Through the falling snow they peered at the far side of the canyon and they could hardy believe there eyes. Wetherill described what he saw as “ a magnificent city ”built under an overhanging cliff. Excited men rushed across the canyon toward this strange sight. There, built into a shallow cliff or "alcove", they found  an ancient city. Much of the city was in ruins.

 Since this strange hidden city was built on the side of the cliff they named it Cliff Palace.

 Many of the stone houses rose two or three stories high. Others were dug into the ground like basements.

 The men decided to explore other canyons, and found two more cliff cities.
 A few people had seen some of the Mesa Verde ruins earlier but it was Wetherill and Mason who made it famous.