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Wetherill Mesa At Mesa Verde National Park To Close Early

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By Compiled From N... - October 14th, 2022

The road across Wetherill Mesa, which leads to Long House, is closing early due to staffing shortages/Rebecca Latson file

Staffing shortages are behind the decision to close Wetherill Mesa at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado a week earlier than expected.

The mesa is only open seasonally, typically closing at the end of October. This year, though, the lack of park staff could impact public safety (emergency response and possibly snow removal) on the mesa, the park said in a release. The road to this remote area of the park is steep and winding. It leads to Step House, Long House, Kodak House and some other archaeological sites and overlooks.

Along with the closing of Wetherill Mesa, the park will begin charging its reduced winter entrance fee of $20/vehicle on this date. 

The main park road along Chapin Mesa remains open throughout the year, weather permitting. Visitors are invited to enjoy the park’s diverse hiking trails, along with outstanding views of Spruce Tree House, Cliff Palace and other dwellings located along the Cliff Palace Loop. The Visitor and Research Center, located at the entrance to the park will also be open from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily and rangers will be available to assist with trip planning and answer questions. 

Though the park's tour season concludes on October 22, there are still many opportunities to experience and learn about the world of the Ancestral Pueblo people who built the thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. The National Park Service invites visitors to check out the trip planning information the park has available on its website.

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