Day 19: Thirteenth century architects

An 8am reservation for a tour of the Balcony House forced an early start, but the family rallied and showed up with flying colors. After climbing up a 30-foot ladder, we learned more about the Puebloan people and this unique dwelling from our ranger guide. We have been impressed by rangers across all of the National Parks, but here in Mesa Verde, in addition to being naturalists and conservationists, it seems that they also need to be part archeologist and anthropologist, as we learned an incredible amount about the people of these ancient times and what their communities must have been like. Like the Cliff Palace, this dwelling showed an impressive sophistication and advanced craftsmanship and architecture for its time.

Upon conclusion of the tour, we grabbed lunch at the Far View Terrace Cafe, picked up Junior Ranger badges, and then started our trek toward Moab.