Trail Overview

This short, easy route has gorgeous dispersed camping. At the eastern end to the north is Elk Meadows- FS 315B, a more challenging trail, that connects to FS 315- Easy Cruise, and to the south is FR 311- Moon Canyon. At the west end, near FR 103, is the grave for the baby, Ruth Wetherill, who died nearby at her family homestead on June 10, 1911.

Photos of Wetherill Way - FR 527

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Difficulty

There are some erosion ruts.

History

Richard Wetherill, a member of a Colorado ranching family was an amateur archaeologist who discovered, researched and excavated sites at Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon. He was murdered in Chaco Canyon on June 10, 1910. His 35 year-old widow, Marietta, moved to the Jemez mountains with her five children. The baby, Ruth Wetherill, died of an allergic reaction or heart condition, a year to the day after her father. She was just over 1 year old. Her grave is on the north side of this route near FR 103. Her grave frequently has fresh flowers from travelers and hunters.

Technical Rating