An Architectural Marvel with a Twist of Adventure
Balcony House, a “medium-sized” cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park, features 40 rooms and offers visitors an up-close look at how construction techniques evolved over time. Known for its tunnels, narrow passageways, and a modern 32-foot entrance ladder, Balcony House is considered the most adventurous cliff dwelling tour in the park. This site is accessible only through ranger-guided tours, and tickets must be purchased in advance at the Mesa Verde National Park Visitor and Research Center.
A Glimpse into Early Discovery
The first known entry into Balcony House was made by prospector S.E. Osborn in the spring of 1884. His name and the date—March 20, 1884—were found carved into a dwelling in nearby Soda Canyon. In an 1886 newspaper article, Osborn described several sites he visited in the early 1880s, and one perfectly matches Balcony House, confirming his early exploration of the site.
Excavation and Preservation
In 1910, Jesse Nusbaum—a skilled archaeologist and one of the first superintendents of Mesa Verde—led the excavation of Balcony House. His efforts helped uncover and preserve this spectacular cliff dwelling, which remains a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
A Lasting Tribute
“Mesa Verde Balcony House, with its well-preserved rooms, kivas, and plazas, stands as a tribute to those who built and occupied the site in the thirteenth century—the Ancestral Pueblo people of Arizona and New Mexico. It is also a tribute to the men who excavated and stabilized the site in the early part of the twentieth century.” —Kathleen Fiero,Balcony House: A History of a Cliff Dwelling (Mesa Verde Museum Association, 1999)
