Are you ready to scale the ranks of history? One of the more interesting elements of our experience in this national park in the state of Colorado was the Mesa Verde Balcony House tour experience. A top US national park lets you experience the Ancestral Pueblo people’s ingenuity. To arrange this tour, some preparation was needed to experience the Balcony House cliff dwellings. Specific preparations were necessary for this tour to explore the park’s well-known cliff dwellings. For a complete overview of the park, including seasons and lodging, check out our core post: Touring Enchanted Mesa Verde National Park. So, to begin the grand adventure of the Balcony House tour, here are the details to take this thrilling tour experience.
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Planning Your Mesa Verde Balcony House Tour
The key to visiting Balcony House is mastering a simple two-step process well before your visit. Step 1: Purchase your ticket. The tour season runs from May to October. Reservations are released 14 days in advance at 8:00 a.m. MDT on Recreation.gov, the only official sales channel. Be prompt, as spots fill in minutes. It’s also worth checking for last-minute tickets from cancellations. Step 2: Save your ticket offline. Cell service at Mesa Verde is extremely limited. Immediately take a screenshot or print a paper copy of your reservation. We secured and saved all of our tickets. Consequently, we booked all three major cliff dwellings for one seamless day of exploration.
Take an Earlybird Tour of Balcony House
This was my favorite tour of the three guided hikes (Cliff House and Long House) we booked in the park. We booked the Earlybird tour online in advance. We met our ranger guide in the parking lot above the Balcony House alcove. Our group was small (12). Our ranger, Jan Tankersley, was friendly and very knowledgeable. She proceeded with the safety talk, outlining that the trek was strenuous. Climbing a 32-foot ladder and scrambling through a low tunnel on hands and knees is a tight squeeze.
Although I have a fear of heights, I did not have issues with any of the ladders-just remember to look up, not down. During her narrative, she informed us that the morning temperatures were way warmer than in the afternoon. This is because Balcony House has full sun exposure in the morning. Bring plenty of water!
Discovering the History of Balcony House: An Ancestral Pueblo Abode
Our tour began with a narration of the history, construction, and preservation of Balcony House. The inhabitants moved from the mesa top to the recessed alcove in the cliff face. This offered increased natural protection and stability for the structures. We accessed the dwelling through a narrow and steep ladder to a balcony-like structure that gives the site its name. The Ancestral Pueblo people, or Anasazi, lived in this region from roughly 600 to 1300 CE. Archaeologists estimate the construction of Balcony House took place between 1190 and 1270 CE. They have found three plazas containing 38 rooms at this site, including living quarters, storage areas, and kivas (underground ceremonial chambers).
Our ranger-guided walked us toward the back area of the cliff dwelling. The residents likely got water from a spring behind the alcove. The presence of a spring at Balcony House adds to the significance and functionality of the site. Water was essential for the daily needs of the ancestral Puebloan people who inhabited Balcony House. Our guide explained how the ancestral Puebloan people used it for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and irrigation of crops. Having a reliable water source nearby would have been crucial for the sustainability and survival of the community.
Why are these historic cliff dwelling sites here?
By the 13th century, most of the ancestral Puebloan communities in the Mesa Verde region had left their cliff dwellings, including Balcony House. The exact reasons and circumstances of their departure continue to be subjects of study and interpretation among archaeologists and researchers.
Unanswered Questions about these Dwellings
Many theories suggest that environmental factors and social stress were the most prominent reasons behind this decision. The history of the Pueblo Indian dwellings is very interesting. Likewise, the colors and rock formations of the canyons are amazing. Each ranger has his or her own narrative. Ours was very informative.
Balcony House is a testament to the cleverness and architectural expertise of the Puebloan people. It offers a glimpse into their ancient way of life in the extraordinary cliff-side dwellings of Mesa Verde.
What to Bring on Your Balcony House Tour
The right gear will make your Balcony House adventure safer and more enjoyable. This is a hands-on tour, so wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip for the ladders and uneven stone. Dress in layers, as the exposed alcove can be much warmer in the morning sun than the shaded mesa top. Most importantly, bring more water than you think you need—hydration is crucial, and there are no services at the site. A small backpack is useful for carrying your water, sunscreen, a hat, and your printed ticket or saved screenshot (cell service is nonexistent). Leave bulky bags behind; you’ll need your hands free for the climbs and tunnels.
Final Thoughts: Mesa Verde Balcony House Tour
Our tour of Balcony House was an unforgettable journey into the past. It blends physical adventure with historical insight. From navigating the iconic ladders to contemplating the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans, the experience is a cornerstone of any Mesa Verde visit. Remember, success hinges on planning: book your tickets on Recreation.gov the moment they’re released, come prepared with water and sturdy shoes, and be ready for a moderate, rewarding challenge. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a tangible connection to an ancient world. Consequently, all the preparatory efforts are thoroughly worthwhile.
Have you experienced the climb at Balcony House, or are you planning your trip? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
