Balcony House: An Adventurous Cliff Dwelling
Explore Balcony House in Mesa Verde: A thrilling adventure into Ancestral Puebloan history and architecture.
Balcony House, a well-preserved cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park, offers a thrilling glimpse into Ancestral Puebloan life. Explore its 40 rooms via ladders, a narrow tunnel, and cliffside steps, revealing the ingenuity and resilience of its builders.
A brief summary to Balcony House
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, 81330, US
- +1970-529-4465
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Purchase tour tickets in advance at recreation.gov or the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, as tours often sell out.
- Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for physical exertion, including climbing ladders and crawling through a tunnel.
- Bring water and be mindful of the altitude, as Balcony House is located at approximately 7,000 feet.
- Tours are offered from May to October; check the park's website for specific dates and times.
Getting There
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Driving
To reach Balcony House, enter Mesa Verde National Park via Highway 160 between Cortez and Mancos, Colorado. From the park entrance, it's a 21-mile drive along a steep, narrow, and winding road to the Chapin Mesa area. Follow signs for Cliff Palace and Balcony House. Allow at least 45 minutes for this drive. Parking is available at the Balcony House trailhead. Note that trailers and towed vehicles are not permitted beyond Morefield Campground.
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Park Entrance Fee
All visitors to Mesa Verde National Park are required to purchase an entrance pass. During the summer (May through October), the entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for 1-7 days. Alternatively, an annual Mesa Verde National Park pass is available for $55. America the Beautiful passes are also accepted. These passes can be purchased at the entrance station or online at recreation.gov.
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Tour Tickets
Access to Balcony House is by ranger-guided tour only. Tour tickets are $8.00 per person and can be purchased online at recreation.gov up to 14 days in advance. Purchasing tickets well in advance is highly recommended, as tours often sell out. Print your tour reservation or download it to your phone, as there is no cell service at the trailhead.
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