Balcony House, Mesa Verde National Park

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Balcony House is the most challenging cliff dwelling tour at Mesa Verde but it is also the most intimate. Named after the remnants of a dwelling balcony, this small site provides insight to Anasazi community life. The balconies and rooftops, made of logs rather than adobe, were a place of work and play. Kivas, built below ground, were an important gathering place for each family clan and their flat rooftops functioned much like our town squares.

Balcony House reviews

Getting there

Balcony House is located 10 miles (16km) from the Far View Visitor Center and roughly 25 miles (40km) from the main entrance of Mesa Verde National Park. Allow 20 minutes for the drive from Far View Center and 50 minutes from the park entrance.

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Mesa Verde Map
National Park Service

Getting around

Balcony House tours depart from the Balcony House parking lot. The tour takes roughly 1 hour and involves climbing 4 ladders - two 10-foot (3m), one 32-foot (10m) and one 60-foot (20m) open rock face - and crawling through a narrow tunnel 12-feet (4m) long. Balcony House is the most challenging cliff dwelling tour at Mesa Verde.

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National Park Service

Opening hours

Ranger-led Balcony House tours are offered every half hour 9:00 - 17:30 from late May to early September and hourly 9:00 - 17:00 from early September to mid October and from late April to late May.

Fees

A ticket is required for Balcony House tours. Tickets can be purchased at the Far View Visitor Center 8:00 -17:00 or the Morefield Ranger Station 17:00 - 20:30 from late May through mid-August only.

Things to keep in mind

Access to Balcony House is limited to ranger-guided tours. This tour is not recommended for individuals with a fear of heights. Restrooms are located near the car park.