The second cliff dwelling we visited at Mesa Verde was Balcony House. Although smaller than Cliff Palace, it is still very impressive & a little more physically challenging, as this description from the park website explains: "The one-hour Balcony House tour is one of the most intimate yet adventurous tours at Mesa Verde. A visit to Balcony House will challenge your fear of ladders, heights, and small spaces, and will give you the opportunity to explore the common areas of a mid-sized, 40-room dwelling. The Balcony House tour requires visitors to descend a 100 foot staircase into the canyon; climb a 32 foot ladder; crawl through a 12 foot, 18 inches wide tunnel; and clamber up an additional 60 feet on ladders and stone steps. The Balcony House tour is strenuous due to the elevation and physical exertion required to visit the dwelling. The tour is not recommended for anyone with heart or respiratory problems. Balcony House, like all of the cliff dwellings, is located at approximately 7,000 feet elevation and involves strenuous physical activity." I had no problem with the ladders or stairs, but I did scrape my elbow a little going through that narrow tunnel. It was well worth it, though & the ranger who guided us was knowledgeable, entertaining & even inspirational in his reverence & respect for the history & significance of the sites he helps to maintain & educate visitors about. A few more photos from Balcony House to follow...