Balcony House
	To reach Balcony House for my ranger-guided tour, I first descended a 100-foot long staircase. I then climbed up a 32-foot ladder into the north plaza. Here, Cindy is headed to the back of the alcove, where the spring and passageway to the kiva plaza are located. Finally, to exit I crawled through a narrow 12-foot tunnel. Then it was another 60 feet up ladders and stone steps. The original inhabitants did not make it so easy on themselves. The only way in and out was through the tunnel, and to get up or down from the mesa top required traversing a hand-and-toe hold trail on the sheer cliff wall. Defense of the dwelling would have been easy, although there is no proof it was ever necessary. Tree ring dating from timbers in the house indicate this was one of the last dwellings to be abandoned.