Mesa Verde National Park is working out details on a plan that would open the Wetherill Mesa tram road to hikers and bicyclists.
Details are still being settled, according to a park news release Monday, but one of the changes would include a daily bicycle rental concession on Wetherill Mesa. The 5.5-mile-long tram road apparently won't be used this year by a tram.
Also, the Wetherill Mesa vehicle road, previously open only in the summer, would be open for day use in the spring and fall, weather permitting.
"One of the things we've heard from visitors many times is that they would like more opportunities to explore on their own, and more hiking opportunities," Mesa Verde Superintendent Cliff Spencer said in a news release. "When we learned that changes in contracting law make it impractical to run the free tram on Wetherill Mesa next summer, it seemed like that could be a good place to try to offer some new options."
For several years in the fall Mesa Verde has hosted "Wetherill Mesa Hike and Bike" events, during which the tram road was opened to hikers and cyclists. Those days have been very popular, Spencer said.
"We're using that model to develop a similar experience for our summer visitors," Spencer said in the news release.
Mesa Verde listed three main changes to Wetherill Mesa:
In spring and fall, the Wetherill Mesa road will be opened for day-use when the weather permits. Also, the tram road, now called the "Long House Loop," will be open for hiking and bicycle riding.
The alcove sites will be closed in the spring, but other existing hiking trails will be open for hiking.
In the summer, Long House Loop will be open for hiking and bicycle riding during the day. Tram service will not be available. Ranger-guided tours of Step House will be offered several times day. Step House includes evidence of habitation from Basketmaker and well as Pueblo eras and tells a more comprehensive story of Ancestral Pueblo habitation at Mesa Verde than most alcove sites.
Long House will be open for self-guided visits. Rangers will be present to answer questions.
A bicycle rental concession may be available for daily bike rentals on Wetherill Mesa.
Details will be posted on the park's website, www.nps.gov/meve, as they become available. Call (970) 529-4465 for up-to-date information.