cliff palace at mesa verde
#2
Join Date: Dec 2005
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You can do it if you are in reasonable physical condition. The biggest incentive is not being last in line. If you have people behind you, you won't want to hold them up and will have courage!
It isn't dangerous or hanging over a cliff or anything, but it does give lots of people pause, so don't be embarassed. The rangers have seen it before.
It isn't dangerous or hanging over a cliff or anything, but it does give lots of people pause, so don't be embarassed. The rangers have seen it before.
#3
Join Date: May 2003
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The ladder to climb out of Cliff Palace is narrow, steep and wedged into the rocks. It isn't as much "free" as one would expect on climbing a ladder. Here is a picture, the exit ladders are in the rocks on the far right. You can't really see them, but you can see how far up you have to climb to get up to the top to get out. There is usually a continuous line of people climbing up, so you really have to keep going once you start. And there is no other way out, once you go in, you are committed.
http://www.citypictures.org/r-north-...orado-1387.htm
http://www.citypictures.org/r-north-...orado-1387.htm
#4
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I don't like heights either, but I didn't have a problem at Cliff Palace. Since the ladder is as DebitNM said wedged into the rocks it gave me more of a sense of security and I didn't really notice the height. The ladder at Balcony House was more intimidating for me because it is wide and open on both sides. When you buy tickets at the visitor center there are photos available of the ladders so you'll know what you are getting into. I like Ackislander's advice to not go last.
#6
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There is no way I would climb a ladder to the top of my two story house, but as I said above I did fine at Cliff Palace. I think talking with the ranger and looking at photos before I purchased tickets put me more at ease.
#8
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Touring Cliff Palace and Balcony House were the highlights of our trip to Durango last week! I am not crazy about heights either.. I would NEVER get on a rollercoster or go on a zipline etc but the ladder at Cliff House was NOTHING to worry about and the Balcony House ladder while a bit more scary was really not that big of a deal. The tours were well worth it and I am so glad I didn't miss it!!!
#9
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I am 60+, too plump and sit at a desk every day. I worried about the trip down and out, but my husband convienced me I could do it. Highlight of my trip a couple of years ago. Just do it!! I don't believe you will have any regrets.
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