News Release

Wetherill Mesa to Close on October 23, 2022

Date: September 21, 2022
Contact: Laurie Smith, 970-529-4632

Mesa Verde, CO:  Mesa Verde National Park announces an early closure of Wetherill Mesa. This seasonally open area of the park will close on October 23, a week earlier than anticipated, due to staffing shortages that could impact public safety (emergency response and possibly snow removal). The road to this remote area of the park is steep and winding.  Weather conditions can change dramatically in late October, adversely affecting road conditions. The park will begin charging our reduced winter entrance fee of $20.00/vehicle on this date, as well. 

The main park road 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 am – 4:00 pm daily and rangers will be available to assist with trip planning and answer questions. 

Though our 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. We invite visitors to check out the great trip planning information the park has available on our website - Things To Do - Mesa Verde National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as well!