Long House Loop

Overview

The Long House Loop is a 5-mile paved route on Wetherill Mesa that you can walk or bike. It follows the old mesa-top road and links several self-guided stops and overlooks, including Badger House Community, Kodak House Overlook, Long House Overlook, and the Nordenskiöld Site #16 trails. Expect a hard surface, open vistas, and a quieter feel than the park’s core attractions. This is a loop (5 miles total), not an out-and-back.

What You’ll See

This mesa-top circuit is about context and connectivity: you’re stitching together multiple viewpoints and archeological areas in one outing. The overlooks peer into canyons holding major cliff dwellings, and the spur trails access mesa-top village sites. If you want to go down into Long House itself, that requires a separate, ticketed ranger-guided tour; on that tour you’ll descend into the alcove, climb two short ladders, and walk among portions of the dwelling.

Difficulty and Pace

On paper it’s “easy” thanks to pavement, but don’t underestimate sun exposure, altitude around 7,000 feet, and some grades. Plan a steady, unhurried pace if you’re walking and take advantage of the smooth surface if you’re biking. If you add the ranger tour into Long House, note that the tour portion itself involves roughly 2.25 miles round-trip with about 130 feet of climbing and two ladders—strenuous for some due to heat and elevation.

Logistics and Access

Reaching Wetherill Mesa requires a steep, winding 12-mile drive from near Far View; allow about 45 minutes each way and note the vehicle length limit of 25 feet. Wetherill Mesa operates seasonally, and tours are ticketed—purchase tour tickets before you drive out and arrive early; tours leave on time. Restrooms, a snack bar, and orientation are at the end of the Wetherill Mesa Road (kiosk/parking). There are no restrooms at the Long House site itself.

Best Time to Go

Morning is your friend here—cooler temps, gentler light on the alcoves, and more time to add a stop or a tour before afternoon heat and closures. The loop is fully exposed, so midday can feel brutal in summer. Build the 45-minute drive into your start time, and if you’re joining a tour, be at the kiosk early so you can walk the paved approach without rushing.

Pets and Rules

Leashed pets are allowed on the Long House Loop and other Wetherill Mesa trails, but not on the trails that descend into Long House or Step House, and never inside archeological sites. Keep paws off hot pavement, carry water, and respect all closures and signs.

Tips

• Bring plenty of water and sun protection; the pavement radiates heat.
• Good shoes still matter—spurs can be uneven, and it’s a long, exposed loop.
• If you’re tour-curious, secure tickets first, then build your loop around your time slot.
• The loop is an enjoyable bike ride if you have wheels; otherwise, plan a relaxed walk connecting the overlooks you care about most.