Wetherill Mesa, forming part of the western boundary of Mesa Verde National Park, contains the second largest concentration of ruins in the area. The 1958 archaeological survey of the mesa documented close to 900 sites ranging in age from Basketmaker pithouses (A.D. 450 - 750), to classic Pueblo cliff dwellings (A.D. 1200 -1300).

To see the ruins on Wetherill Mesa, you'll drive 12 miles from the Far View Visitor Center to the parking lot. The roadway leading to Wetherhill Mesa provides excellent vistas into the nearby Montezuma Valley, the Sleeping Ute Mountain, and eastern Utah. Visit the Step House, then catch one of the free mini trains which leave frequently for the sights of Badger Hous, Two Ravens House, and Long House. Most sites require a short hike and others can be viewed from overlooks. Allow four hours at least to see all the sites. Wetherill Mesa is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm during the summer only. The mini-trains have wheelchair access.

Step House: When Gustaf Nordenskiold first excavated this site in 1891, he believed there were signs of two separate occupations. His suspicions proved correct 30 years later, when Jesse Nusbaumfound remains of both the the early pithouse builders (Basketmakers), and Anasazi from the Classic Period. Look inside the partially constructed pithouse, built in 625 A.D. and contrast it to the stone cliff dwelling next to it built 600 years later. This is a self-guided tour, though a ranger is on hand to answer questions.

Badger House: A self-guided tour leads through 600 years of cultural development along the top of the mesa. You'll see the historical progression from pithouse to the reamins of multi-storied stone pueblos.

Kodak House View: Standing on an overlook,. you'll see Kodak House, a two-sory ruin with 60-70 rooms. In 1891, the scientist and photographer Gustaf Nordenshiold stored his camera in this ruin.

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