Wetherill Mesa will open for the spring season today, according to Mesa Verde National Park Superintendent Cliff Spencer. Spring season activities include hiking most of the trails or riding your bicycle on the 5-mile Long House Loop paved trail. Long House and Step House are not open for visitation until May 22, 2015. "We're experimenting this year with opening Wetherill Mesa with limited services in spring," he said. "We hope people will enjoy this quiet season on Wetherill Mesa before we change to our summer operation on May 22."
The 12-mile road to Wetherill Mesa begins near Far View Lodge and leads to the Wetherill Mesa parking area. Bicycles are not permitted on this road. Beginning at the Wetherill Mesa parking area, visitors may hike, ride their bicycles, or walk their leashed pets on the Long House Loop, which is a paved 5-mile loop trail. Certain other trails are open to leashed pets and/or bicycles. To enjoy this area, remember:
Services are limited in spring. Bring water, snacks, layers of warm clothing, and everything you need to repair your bicycle. Rangers will be on patrol but the information kiosk doesn't open until May 22. Be prepared in the event of changing weather or an emergency.
Bicycles are welcome on the Long House Loop and other marked trails, including the Badger House Community trail. Bikes are not allowed within the archeological site shelters; bike racks are available.
Some trails are open for bicycles, while others are for pedestrians only. Please check signs at trailheads before taking your bicycle on any trail.
Bike racks are provided throughout Wetherill Mesa, and at all trailheads; we recommend you lock your bikes.
Off-trail hiking, riding your bicycle off a permitted trail, and entering closed sites or areas is prohibited.
Pets must be leashed and under control at all times. Pet friendly trails will be marked, and include the Long House Loop and Nordenskiold Site #16 trails. Pets are not allowed in the restrooms or in the sales and food service areas of the Wetherill Mesa Information kiosk. Please clean up after your pet. A number of pet-waste stations are available along the trails.
Jeff
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