Trail of the Ancients

States: Colorado and Utah
Length: 480.0 mi / 772.5 km
Time to Allow: Nine hours to drive (including backtracking) or six days to enjoy the byway

Explore the long and intriguing occupation of the Four Corners region by Native American peoples. Travel through the archaeological heartland of America while crossing the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. World-renowned Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley Tribal Park, and Four Corners Monument are highlights on the trail.

come CLOSER
to Experience...

  • Journey to the Past on the Trail of the Ancients

    Journey to the Past on the Trail of the Ancients

    Published on Sep 16, 2005

    The Trail of the Ancients takes you back to a time long before the United States existed, long before Spaniards came north from what is today Central America. Arid and mostly uninhabited, the terrain along the byway conceals secrets of bygone populations, vibrant people who came and went like snow in warm spring sunshine or tumbleweeds at the front of a desert storm.

come CLOSER
to Enjoy the Ride...

  • An Archaeological Adventure

    5-Day Trip: An Archaeological Adventure
    (Colorado to Utah)

    Use this itinerary to plan a hands-on tour through this bright, desert region, full of ancient history and intrigue. You'll wander where ancient...

The following byways are part of the designated byway Trail of the Ancients: