THE TRAIL TO BALCONY HOUSE
Of all Mesa Verde’s cliff dwellings, Balcony House Ruin is the most dramatically situated and offers the most exciting personal exploration experience. National Park Service archaeologist-guides meet visitors at the designated parking space to lead the 1¼-to-1½-hour trip over a half-mile ledge trail, up the famous approach ladder, and through the ruin. Time schedule of trips may be obtained at the Museum.
Interior, BALCONY HOUSE RUIN, looking north. Note the approach ladder at the lower right.
Climbing the ladder to Balcony House Ruin provides one of the most remembered thrills of the Mesa Verde experience.
View into Soda Canyon from the parapet of BALCONY HOUSE RUIN. The balcony in the foreground is more than 700 years old.