Balcony House Tour - a thrilling adventure you don't want to miss at Mesa Verde National Park

If you are looking for a thrilling adventure that will test your physical and mental limits, then you might want to try the Balcony House tour in Mesa Verde National Park. This is not your typical sightseeing tour where you can stroll around and take selfies. No, this is a one-hour journey that will make you feel like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft as you explore a 700-year-old cliff dwelling. You will have to descend a 100-foot staircase into the canyon, climb a 32-foot ladder to enter the site, crawl through a 12-foot tunnel that is only 18 inches wide, and clamber up another 60 feet on ladders and stone steps to exit. Along the way, you will see the well-preserved rooms, kivas, and plazas of the ancient Puebloans who lived there in the 13th century. You will also learn about their culture, history, and architecture from a friendly ranger who will guide you through the site. The Balcony House tour is not for the faint of heart or the claustrophobic. It is also not recommended for anyone with heart or respiratory problems, as the site is located at approximately 7,000 feet elevation. But if you are up for the challenge, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience that will make you appreciate the ingenuity and resilience of the people who built and occupied this remarkable place. You can purchase tickets for this tour online at recreation.gov1 or at the Mesa Verde National Park Visitor Center. The tour is offered from late April to mid October1. You can also take a virtual tour of Balcony House from your home with an interactive ranger-guided tour. Either way, you will be amazed by the Balcony House, one of the most intimate yet adventurous tours at Mesa Verde National Park.