Wetherill Mesa Pavilion

Wetherill Mesa Pavilion is a covered information and staging stop at the end of Wetherill Road. Every Wetherill Mesa trail starts here, but the cliff dwellings are hidden from the road; plan to continue on foot or by bicycle to see them. Use the pavilion as a base for exploring the mesa, not as a drive-up overlook.

From the park entrance, drive 15 miles to the Wetherill Mesa turnoff, then another 12 winding, hilly miles to the pavilion; that last stretch takes 30 to 45 minutes. Wetherill Mesa is seasonal, so check the current access dates and gate times before setting out. Vehicles longer than 25 feet or heavier than 8,000 pounds are prohibited on Wetherill Road. Bicycles and e-bikes cannot use that road, though you can ride the mesa trails after arriving.

The pavilion area has parking, restrooms and picnic tables, with a seasonal snack counter selling packaged food and drinks. Carry water for the walks: water is limited on the trails, and much of the mesa is exposed with little shade. The kiosk sits at 7,240 feet, so give yourself time to adjust before taking on a longer route.

The Wetherill Mesa Archaeological Project ran from 1958 to 1965 and excavated eleven sites, including Long House, the park’s second-largest cliff dwelling. The project’s later phase added roads, trails, overlooks and visitor facilities; Wetherill Mesa opened to visitors in 1972. From this road-end hub, the sites are reached by walking or biking rather than by driving up to them.