The Trail of the Ancients passes through the unique geology of the Colorado Plateau high desert, offering a rich but fragile mix of natural resources. The stunning rock formation, Shiprock, is a central scenic point that is visible from most places on the Trail of the Ancients. The visible cultural heritage of the Four Corners area boasts numerous archaeological sites, modern communities, and Indian lands. Chaco Culture National Historic Park, a world heritage site, is the centerpiece of the New Mexico segment of the byway. Mesa Verde National Park is on the Colorado segment of the byway, and it is a World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park, and it is home to over a thousand species, including several that live nowhere else on earth. Scenic turnouts along the Trail of the Ancients reveal vast valleys, towering mountains, badlands, clear blue lakes, raging rivers, and gentle streams.
Trail of the Ancients – CO
Local Visitor Information
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Explore Resources
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Byway Overview
Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway: Explore Ancient Southwest Cultures
The Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway offers a powerful journey into the history, traditions, and spiritual legacy of the Native peoples who lived in the American Southwest as hunters and gatherers thousands of years ago.
This scenic route protects sacred archaeological sites, ancient ruins, and cultural landmarks while showcasing the stunning natural beauty of mesas, canyons, and desert landscapes.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of ancestral Puebloan cultures amid breathtaking scenery.
A must-drive for history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a meaningful and scenic experience in the American Southwest.
Quick Facts
- Designation
- National Scenic Byway (2005)
- Intrinsic Qualities
- Archeological
- Location
- CO, NM, UT
- Total Length
- 116 of 480 total miles
Visitor Information & Byway Partners
Contact Details
For personalized travel assistance and local recommendations, please reach out to our regional visitor center.
Local Byway Partners
You can start at any point along the route. From Hovenweep National Monument, head north on CR268A toward CR212, then take Co Rd 10 to Rd BB in Pleasant View. From there, take US-491S to US-491S/N Broadway, then US-160W to NM-597 until you arrive at the Four Corners National Monument.
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Hovenweep National Monument
Located on the Utah/Colorado border, Hovenweep is known for its oddly shaped towers.
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Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwest Colorado, is known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, notably the huge Cliff Palace.
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Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is a national monument protecting an archaeologically-significant landscape located in the southwestern region of Colorado.
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Yucca House National Monument
Yucca House is a large, unexcavated Ancestral Puebloan archaeological site in Montezuma County, Colorado.
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Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park
Located in the Four Corners region, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park is a perfect place to spend time with a Native American Ute guides who will interpret area history, pictographs, geological land formations and petroglyphs.
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Two National Monuments
Starting from Cortez, head northwest along the byway to Hovenweep National Monument. Spend an hour hiking to Hovenweep Castle, or take a high-clearance, four-wheel drive to explore the land. Head west a few miles to land at the Canyons of the Ancients Monument. Hike through grand cliff dwellings to get a feel for where the Ancestral Puebloans lived. Stop by the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum for exhibits and interactive demonstrations. Stay overnight in a nearby ranch or continue along the byway.