In short
- Cliff Palace offers immense scale with 150 ancient rooms and 23 kivas.
- Balcony House is a physical climb featuring a 32-foot ladder and a 12-foot tunnel crawl.
- You can take both tours in one day if you leave two hours between your start times.
In this article
- What is the main difference between Cliff Palace and Balcony House?
- How difficult is the Balcony House tour compared to Cliff Palace?
- Can I do Cliff Palace and Balcony House in one day?
- Is one tour better for younger children?
- How long does each tour take?
- Can you view these sites without taking the tours?
Both tours operate from early May to late October and are ranger-guided. Deciding between them depends on whether you want to see the largest ruins in North America or tackle an intense physical adventure.
What is the main difference between Cliff Palace and Balcony House?
Cliff Palace focuses on massive architectural scale, while Balcony House centers on physical exploration.
Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in North America. The site originally housed 100 people and features exactly 150 rooms. The tour focuses on history and observing this large structure. Balcony House is a more rugged, hands-on experience involving tight spaces, high ladders, and a different perspective of Ancestral Puebloan life.
How difficult is the Balcony House tour compared to Cliff Palace?
Balcony House requires significantly more physical exertion and a high comfort level with heights.
The Cliff Palace tour requires a 100-foot (30 m) elevation change, descending uneven stone steps and climbing four separate short ladders. The total walking distance is just 1/4 mile (0.4 km). Balcony House demands climbing an exposed 32-foot ladder and crawling on your hands and knees through a tight 12-foot tunnel. Both require sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes.
Can I do Cliff Palace and Balcony House in one day?
Yes, you can easily book and complete both tours on the same day.
If you choose to do both, you must leave at least two hours between your scheduled tour times. Both tours require separate $8.00 tickets booked through Recreation.gov 14 days in advance. Factor in the 45 to 75-minute drive time from the park entrance before your first tour begins.
Is one tour better for younger children?
Cliff Palace is generally easier for families, but all children must climb ladders unassisted on both tours.
Infants must ride in a hands-free carrier, and the adults carrying them must maintain perfect balance. Balcony House's 32-foot ladder and small tunnel crawl make it highly challenging for small children or parents carrying a baby. Visiting with Kids
How long does each tour take?
The Cliff Palace tour takes approximately 45 minutes, while Balcony House takes 1 hour.
You must arrive at your designated trailhead on time. Late arrivals forfeit their tour with no refunds. Cell service is non-existent at both trailheads, so physically print your tour reservation or download it to your phone before you drive into the park.
Can you view these sites without taking the tours?
Yes, both sites have nearby viewpoints that do not require an $8.00 ticket.
You can see Cliff Palace from the Cliff Palace Overlook (15 minutes) or from Sun Temple across the canyon. To see Balcony House without a tour, hike the easy Soda Canyon Overlook Trail. It takes about 30 minutes and leads right to the canyon edge.
Questions travellers ask
Do both tours cost the same amount?
Yes, both ranger-guided tours cost $8.00 per person for ages 3 and up. You also need to pay the $30 summer park entrance fee per private vehicle.
Where do I book Balcony House and Cliff Palace tickets?
Both tours are booked exclusively on Recreation.gov. Tickets become available 14 days in advance at 8:00 am MDT.
Are tripods allowed on either tour?
No tripods are allowed on any cliff dwelling tour. You must carry all camera gear securely and keep your hands free for the ladders.
