cliff palace at mesa verde
 

Please let me know how scary it is to climb the ladders on this tour. Not too happy with heights so not sure if I should try it. Thanks for your help.

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.

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

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.

If you won't climb a ladder to get on top of your house then it probably isn't for you. The ladder is secured and tighter, but it is taller. Personally, I wouldn't miss it though.

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.

Good advice...we will check out the photos before buying the tickets...think I will give it a go, however!

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!!!

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.