Kodak House Overlook

Kodak House Overlook is a viewpoint on Wetherill Mesa, looking across a canyon at a cliff dwelling tucked beneath a broad sandstone alcove. The paved walk from Wetherill Pavilion is 4.5 miles round trip. It's a good choice if you want to see an alcove dwelling from the opposite rim, but this is a real outing, not a roadside stop; the rooms aren't open from here.

The route follows the paved Long House Loop, which is open to hikers and bikes and is described as accessible with assistance. Leashed dogs are allowed. The trail has no shade and water is limited. Summer thunderstorms are common, and there are no shelters along the loop beyond the pavilion and Badger House.

Getting to the pavilion takes time too: Wetherill Road is 12 winding miles and usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Vehicles over 25 feet or 8,000 pounds aren't allowed. Wetherill Mesa is seasonal, so check current conditions before driving out. Public restrooms and a concession snack bar with packaged food and drinks are at the pavilion, not at the overlook.

During his 1891 archaeological exploration, Gustaf Nordenskiöld hid a Kodak camera in one of the dwelling's rooms. The name stuck even though he wondered whether it was proper.

The view is of the cliff dwelling across the canyon, with stone rooms on two ledges beneath the overhang. For a photo, keep the tall masonry wall and both levels of the alcove in frame; that shows how the rooms fit into the cliff instead of turning the place into a single tower.