Mesa Verde - great changes!! More changes to other NP's too
Jun 7th, 2015 | 05:48 AM
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Mesa Verde - great changes!! More changes to other NP's too
From today's NY Times:
Wetherill Mesa, known as the quieter side of Mesa Verde National Park, will have an extended season this year (through mid-October), giving cyclists ample to time to enjoy new access to the park’s six-mile Long House Loop, a paved path formerly used for tram service, as well as backcountry routes on the park’s most popular hike, which is now also open to cyclists. Naturally, plans are in the works to open an on-site bike rental operation within the year.
This news about Wetherill Mesa is long overdue! It is IMHO the best part of the park as only 10% of park visitors ever head there as it is an additional 45 minute drive to reach it. However, it affords a really special opportunity - you are able to actually climb up and into the Long House cliff dwelling. You get to see the natural spring where the Ancestral Puebloans got their drinking water but more importantly - you get to look OUT and see the same landscape and views that they saw so long ago. At all of the others dwellings; you look INTO them which makes Long House a unique experience.
Also, Wetherill used to close on Labor Day which a real shame since September and October are the most beautiful times of the year to visit. Staying open an extra 6 weeks is brilliant!
If you are going to visit - try to stay at Far View Lodge. Nothing fancy but the lack of WOW! factor isn't missing via Sunrise and especially Sunsets.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/28/tr...mmer-rush.html
Wetherill Mesa, known as the quieter side of Mesa Verde National Park, will have an extended season this year (through mid-October), giving cyclists ample to time to enjoy new access to the park’s six-mile Long House Loop, a paved path formerly used for tram service, as well as backcountry routes on the park’s most popular hike, which is now also open to cyclists. Naturally, plans are in the works to open an on-site bike rental operation within the year.
This news about Wetherill Mesa is long overdue! It is IMHO the best part of the park as only 10% of park visitors ever head there as it is an additional 45 minute drive to reach it. However, it affords a really special opportunity - you are able to actually climb up and into the Long House cliff dwelling. You get to see the natural spring where the Ancestral Puebloans got their drinking water but more importantly - you get to look OUT and see the same landscape and views that they saw so long ago. At all of the others dwellings; you look INTO them which makes Long House a unique experience.
Also, Wetherill used to close on Labor Day which a real shame since September and October are the most beautiful times of the year to visit. Staying open an extra 6 weeks is brilliant!
If you are going to visit - try to stay at Far View Lodge. Nothing fancy but the lack of WOW! factor isn't missing via Sunrise and especially Sunsets.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/28/tr...mmer-rush.html
