Trail of the Ancients
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, CO
Covering almost 164,000 acres of high desert and steep canyons, this area contains more than 5,000 recorded archaeological sites, the highest known archaeological site density in the United States. Some of the ancient structues retain standing walls, and many others are merely piles of rubble. Humans have lived in this area for at least 10,000 years, from the early Basketmakers through today's residents.
Photo Credits
- Public domain. Courtesy of Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Quick Facts
- Location:
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is accessible from various points along the Trail of the Ancients. Dove Creek, Cahone, Pleasant View, Yellow Jacket, and Cortez are all access points in Colorado. Bluff, Blanding, Montezuma Creek, and Aneth are access points in Utah. Part of the byway, Colorado Highway 10, from Pleasant View, goes into the heart of the park.
- N 37.371° W 109.000° [?]
- Hours of Operation:
Various schedules apply to the museums, ruins, and other sites within the monument. For the most part it is open daily, year-round.
Local Information
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument:
- This website contains basic information and resources for the monument.
