Canyons of the Ancients: A Journey Through Ancestral Puebloan History
Explore ancient ruins and stunning landscapes at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a window into Ancestral Puebloan history in southwestern Colorado.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in southwestern Colorado protects one of the highest known concentrations of archaeological sites in the United States, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloan people who inhabited the area for over 10,000 years. Explore ancient villages, cliff dwellings, and petroglyphs scattered across a dramatic landscape of canyons and mesas.
A brief summary to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
- Montezuma and Dolores counties, CO, US
- +1970-882-5600
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the high desert environment can be harsh, especially during the summer months.
- Check the BLM website for updates on trail conditions, closures, and fire restrictions before your visit.
- Consider visiting during the spring or fall for more moderate temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Take your time to explore the archaeological sites respectfully, and avoid touching or disturbing any artifacts.
Getting There
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Driving
From Cortez, Colorado, head west on US-160. Turn north onto CO-491 and continue for approximately 10 miles. Follow signs for the visitor center or specific archaeological sites within the monument. Note that some roads within the monument are unpaved and may require a high-clearance vehicle. Parking is available at the visitor center and at designated trailheads. Parking is free.
Discover more about Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Painted Hand Pueblo
8.1 km
Explore the awe-inspiring Painted Hand Pueblo, a historical landmark that reveals the rich cultural heritage of Colorado's Ancestral Puebloans amidst stunning natural beauty.
Lowry Pueblo
12.0 km
Discover the ancient heritage of the Ancestral Puebloans at Lowry Pueblo, a captivating historical landmark in Colorado's scenic landscape.
McElmo Canyon
21.8 km
Explore McElmo Canyon in Colorado for breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and peaceful outdoor adventures, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Escalante Pueblo
29.9 km
Explore the ancient wonders of Escalante Pueblo, where history and nature converge in the stunning landscapes of Dolores, Colorado.
Yucca House National Monument
31.0 km
Explore the ancient Puebloan ruins at Yucca House National Monument, a serene escape steeped in history and natural beauty in Cortez, Colorado.
Megalithic House
42.8 km
Explore the Megalithic House in Mesa Verde National Park, a historical landmark that reveals the architectural brilliance of ancient civilizations amidst stunning natural beauty.
Coyote Village
43.1 km
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Mesa Verde Administrative District
48.1 km
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Alkali Ridge Historical Marker
49.2 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Hovenweep National Monument
19.8 km
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Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance
29.7 km
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Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum
29.9 km
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Far View Reservoir
42.9 km
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Far View Tower
43.0 km
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Far View House
43.2 km
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Step House
44.1 km
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Wetherill Mesa Information
44.1 km
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Montezuma Valley Overlook
44.2 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Montezuma Valley from this easily accessible overlook in Mesa Verde National Park.
Long House
44.9 km
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Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center
45.1 km
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Mancos Valley Overlook
46.2 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Mancos Valley and the iconic Mesa Verde landscape at this easily accessible overlook.
Mesa Verde National Park
46.6 km
Explore the breathtaking cliff dwellings and rich cultural heritage of Mesa Verde National Park, a must-visit destination for history and nature lovers.
Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
48.1 km
Discover the ancient world of the Ancestral Pueblo people at Mesa Verde's Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.
Petroglyph Point Trail
48.1 km
Explore ancient rock art and stunning canyon views on the Petroglyph Point Trail in Mesa Verde National Park. A journey through time!
Essential places to dine
Spruce Tree Terrace Café
47.9 km
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Lee's Smokin' Hot BBQ
54.2 km
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Yaks Café
54.3 km
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Arch Canyon Inn
54.3 km
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Patio Diner
54.4 km
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Rodeway Inn & Suites
54.4 km
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Prospector Motor Lodge
54.5 km
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Southway Trading llc
54.5 km
Discover Southway Trading LLC in Blanding: Your go-to convenience store with gas, pizza, and ice cream delights.
Four Corners Inn
54.5 km
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Homestead Steak House
54.5 km
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Bears Ears Inn
54.7 km
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Subway
54.7 km
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A&W Restaurant
54.8 km
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Cowboy Camp House
54.8 km
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Canyon Country Bowling Center and A&W Restaurant
54.8 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Station Boutique
29.8 km
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Notah Dineh Trading Co
29.9 km
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Merriweather Home + Market
30.1 km
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Cliffrose on Market
30.2 km
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High Desert Life Outdoors & Exchange
30.2 km
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Love On A Hanger
30.3 km
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Say Yes Bridal & Boutique
30.5 km
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LaDawn's
30.6 km
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Anna's Mini Treasure
30.7 km
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Antique Corral
30.7 km
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Buffalo Bob's Co-op
31.2 km
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Thunderbird Trading Company
32.5 km
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Cliffrose Garden Center & Gifts
33.9 km
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Far View Terrace Café / Gift Shop / Mesa Mocha
42.1 km
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Sinclair Gas Station
42.5 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Buckskin Bar
23.9 km
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Angel's End Zone Sports Bar
29.6 km
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ZU Gallery
30.1 km
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WildEdge Brewing Collective
30.1 km
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Loungin' Lizard
30.2 km
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Main Street Brewery & Restaurant
30.3 km
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Blondies Trophy Room
30.3 km
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J Fargo's Family Dining & Micro Brewery
31.4 km
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Cortez Elks Lodge #1789
31.7 km
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The Wigglin’ Pig
32.0 km
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The Meltdown
32.2 km
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Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant Cortez
32.5 km
Experience authentic Mexican flavors at Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant in Cortez, where every meal is a celebration of culture and community.
Kuchu's Restaurant
35.4 km
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Metate Room
42.5 km
Experience the rich flavors of American cuisine at the Metate Room, where stunning views and a warm atmosphere await every visitor.
Far View Lounge
42.5 km
Experience the perfect blend of exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views at Far View Lounge in Mesa Verde National Park.
