Chapin Mesa

On Saturday morning, after I left the campground, I drove up the hill to Chapin Mesa. There are several cliff dwelling sites in this area of the park.

These four photos are from

Geologic Overlook

an easy paved 1/2 mile walk

Next stop was the Cliff Palace Overlook and the Soda Canyon Overlooks. I did not take the ranger-led tour to Cliff Palace. I may do that at a later date. 

 Cliff Palace

"The largest cliff dwelling in MVNP

Visible from several overlooks.

Ranger-led tours provide access

to the dwelling spring through fall."

 Cliff Canyon

If you hike to the Soda Canyon Overlooks, you can get a view of Balcony House.  This is the only way to see it without the tour.  

 Dark storm clouds, thunder,

some lightning and a few drizzles,

then the sun came back out.

 part of Balcony House at the left of this photo

"Balcony House: a smaller cliff dwelling,

not visible from the road

 The most challenging ranger-led tour."

Balcony House in the center of this pic

the arch is over the balcony

(click on photo to enlarge)

I did not go on any of the tours, my goal for this weekend was to do a lot of walking and hiking.

Three photos above from

Soda Canyon Overlook Trail

1 1/2 miles fairly easy with

some rock steps at various points along trail

I still have not gone to Park Point Lookout, Cedar Tree Tower, The Petroglyph Point Trail at Spruce Tree, the Point Lookout Trail or the Prater Ridge Trail. 


And..... Wetherhill Mesa does not open until the end of May - there are more cliff dwellings and hikes to do there.


Today, I heard that one of the girls working at the front desk is looking for a hiking partner, so I may be able to do some of the longer hikes soon.


On Saturday I also went to the Far View Sites, photos from Far View will be my next post.