The 116-mile Trail of the Ancients, one of America's newest National
Scenic Byways, is a trail of archaeology and culture in the heart of the Colorado
Plateau. With access to countless examples of Ancestral Puebloan culture,
stunning scenic vistas, and some of the most austere landscapes in the country,
the Trail takes visitors through the archaeological heartland of America.
Some regions of the Colorado Plateau, over which the Trail traverses, remain
today much as they were in the 13th and 14th centuries. Arid and mostly uninhabited,
the terrain along the Trail encompasses the Four Corners region including
Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, the Anasazi Heritage
Center, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, and the Four Corners Monument. Unlike many
byways, Trail of the Ancients cannot just be driven--to truly experience the
Trail of the Ancients, travelers must get out of their cars and explore all
the wonderful stops along the way.
- Mesa Verde National Park, the nation's largest archaeological preserve.
- World Heritage Site.
- Voted Top Monument by readers of Condé Naste Traveler.
- Named one of the "50 Must See Places of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler and one of the "20 Must See Places" by U.S. News and World Report.
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, 164,000 acres containing the highest destiny of archaeological sites anywhere in the United States including:
- Lowry Pueblo National Historic Landmark, a village with eight kivas (believed to be ceremonial sites), a great kiva and 40 rooms.
- Hovenweep National Monument, six stunning Ancestral Puebloan sites unique for their square, oval, circular and D-shaped towers.
- Remote location with visitor center and trails.
- A starkly beautiful glimpse into Ancestral Puebloan history.
- Anasazi Heritage Center, unique federal museum and research center with artifacts, photos and interactive displays.
- Changing special gallery exhibits.
- 12th century Dominguez and Escalante Ancestral Puebloan sites.
- Cortez Cultural Center, information on archaeology and Native Culture with interpretive exhibits, displays and works by local artists.
- Free Indian Dances, cultural programs, and outdoor drama during the summer.
- Ute Mountain Tribal Park, primitive area located on "the other side" of Mesa Verde National Park.
- Guided tours of the park led by Ute Mountain Ute guides offer insight into Ute and Ancestral Puebloan cultures.
- Selected by National Geographic Traveler as stop number seven on their Around the World in 80 Destinations Grand Tour for the 21st Century.
- Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, a not-for-profit research and education center working with volunteers to excavate archaeological sites.
- Week-long excavation programs.
- Hands-on day programs twice weekly from June through August.
The Trail, Point by Point
| Begin the journey at the westernmost branch of the Trail, which starts at the Utah border, in Hovenweep National Monument.
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The ancient architecture of these ancient Puebloan residents includes multi-story towers that overlook the area's mesas and canyons. The Byway, heading north, passes by the access roads to several ancient Pueblo sites, including the Horseshoe, Hackberry, and Cutthroat Castle groups. Most are accessible by foot. Maps should be obtained at the Visitor Center.
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| After leaving Hovenweep National Monument, continue north along County Road 10 to CC.
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At County Road CC, the byway splits to the east and west. A short distance to the west you'll find Lowry Pueblo, which includes a great kiva.
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| Heading east again on CC, at the intersection of CC and Highway 491 turn south on U.S. Highway 491.At the junction of 491/184, head east, toward the town of Dolores, on Colorado Highway 184.
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Pass the Narraguinnep Reservoir and McPhee Lake, popular sites for fishing, power boating, kayaking, sail boating, sail surfing and water-skiing. Stop in at the Anasazi Heritage Center, which also serves as headquarters of the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. This exceptional museum hosts a video, hands-on-exhibits, beautiful collections of pottery and other artifacts, and rotating special exhibits.
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| Head east from the Heritage Center to Highway 145 and turn north toward the Town of Dolores.
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The restored "Galloping Goose No. 5," a curious hybrid vehicle-half bus, half rail car, used for mail and passenger runs, is on display at the Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum.
From Dolores, visitors also may connect to the San Juan Skyway and the San Juan National Forest.
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| From Dolores travel south on Highway 145 toward Cortez. At Highway 160, turn east toward Mesa Verde National Park.
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Mesa Verde National Park is America's archeological park and a World Heritage Site. In addition to the popular ranger-led tours of Cliff Palace and Balcony House, visitors may explore the park at their own pace, year-round, with self-guided tours.
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| From Mesa Verde, head west on Highway 160 back toward the town of Cortez.
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In the summer, Indian dances and cultural programs, or the outdoor drama, Black Shawl, are offered free at the Cortez Cultural Center.
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| For an optional part of the tour, drive north on Highway 491 to L, then west on L to 23,and follow 23 south to Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.
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Crow Canyon, an archaeological research and education center, offers day programs during the summer months on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Reservations are required.
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| Drive south from Cortez on Highway 160, passing through the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation, to the Ute Tribal Park Visitor Center.
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Visit surface sites, cliff dwellings and rock art sites with Ute Tribal guides at the 125,000-acre Ute Mountain Tribal Park. Just outside of the town of Towaoc is the Ute Mountain Casino, Colorado's first Tribal gaming facility.
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| Turn southwest on Highway 160 just south of the Tribal Park.
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The Trail of the Ancients ends at the Four Corners Monument, the only place where four states (Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico) meet at a common point.
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For more information on the Trail of the Ancients and other destinations and activities in Colorado's Mesa
Verde Country® call 1-800-530-2998 or visit www.mesaverdecountry.com.
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