Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (CANM) in southwest Colorado protects the highest known density of archaeological sites in the United States, with more than 8,000 sites recorded to date.. Spanning 176,000 acres, this striking landscape tells the story of over 12,000 years of human history, shaped by 26 Pueblos and Tribes and their descendants. Visitors can explore cliff dwellings, vast villages, kivas, ancient roads, and other cultural landmarks that connect past and present across this remarkable landscape.
The cultural sites, plants, wildlife, and landforms here are part of an enduring story still meaningful to many today. The Bureau of Land Management collaborates with 26 Tribes and Pueblos with ancestral ties to the region, ensuring tribal voices and traditions inform how the land is protected and interpreted.
As you hike through canyon trails or visit ancient structures, remember: these aren’t just ruins—they’re part of an ongoing story that continues to shape the identity and traditions of Indigenous communities across the Four Corners region.
Top Things To See & Do in the Canyons of the Ancients
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure. From ancient villages to high desert vistas, the monument is rich with stories, landscapes, and experiences.
Discover Ancient Sites & Pueblos
Lowry Pueblo
Designated a National Historic Landmark, Lowry Pueblo was built in the 11th century. It features 40 rooms, eight kivas, and a remarkable Great Kiva nearly 50 feet in diameter.
Painted Hand Pueblo
Dating back to the late 1200s, this village is perched above Hovenweep canyon, offering impressive views and a quiet, reflective setting. Painted Hand Pueblo was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014 and has an ADA path to the main overlook. The trail continues along a mesa top loop above the village with interpretive signs and information about this special landscape.
Sand Canyon Pueblo
Once a large and complex settlement, this site features remnants of more than 400 rooms, 90 kivas, and over a dozen towers. It offers an in-depth glimpse into the layout and community life of the Pueblo III period.
Explore Canyons of the Ancients Trails
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument offers a network of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. With two main trailheads—north and south—visitors can explore quiet canyons, high desert landscapes, and remarkable archaeological sites. Whether you’re seeking a short stroll or a full-day adventure, these trails offer a memorable way to connect with the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Top Trails in Canyons of the Ancients
- Sand Canyon Trail: A 6.5-mile one-way trail (13 miles round-trip) from the southern trailhead. Offers access to cliff dwellings, rock formations, and multiple spur routes. Popular for hiking and mountain biking.
- Saddlehorn Pueblo Trail: A 2-mile round-trip trail from the south trailhead. Leads to a well-preserved cliff dwelling and is ideal for a shorter hike.
- Sand Canyon Pueblo Trail: A 0.7-mile loop from the north trailhead. Features interpretive signage and views of a large ancestral site with over 400 rooms and 90 kivas.
- Escalante Pueblo Trail: A 1-mile paved round-trip hike to the top of the hill located at the Visitor Center. Offers panoramic views and educational signage on Ancestral Puebloan life.
- Lowry Pueblo Trail: A short, wheelchair-accessible path leads to Lowry Pueblo, a 40-room village with eight kivas and a Great Kiva nearly 50 feet in diameter.
Important Note: To protect cultural sites, motorized and mechanized travel is restricted to marked routes. Please visit with respect and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Download the Sand Canyon–Rock Creek Trails Guide
Trail maps are also available at the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum.
Visitor Center, Maps, & How to Get to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
The Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum is the ideal starting point for your visit to CANM. Stop in for maps, brochures, and expert advice to help you navigate the monument. The on-site museum offers a deeper look into the cultural history and archaeology of the Four Corners region.
Getting To Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is located in southwest Colorado and is accessible from several points along the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway. Main access points include Cortez, Dove Creek, Pleasant View, and Yellow Jacket in Colorado, and Bluff or Blanding in Utah.
Important Note: Most roads inside the Monument are unimproved and unpaved—a high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Canyons of the Ancients Maps & Planning Resources
Plan your visit with a detailed map of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, available at the Visitor Center & Museum or online. Be sure to check out the monument brochure as well—it includes helpful information about key sites like Sand Canyon Pueblo and Lowry Pueblo, along with tips, regulations, and other important visitor details. For trail-specific info, check out the Sand Canyon & Rock Creek Trail Map, which highlights key routes and cultural sites.
Know Before You Go
- Entrance Fees: There is no fee to enter Canyons of the Ancients National Monument or the Visitor Center. However, the museum does have an admission fee—please see the official website for up-to-date prices.
- Camping & Campfires: Dispersed camping is allowed, but campfires must be at least 300 feet from riparian areas and cultural sites. Use a fire pan for all fires, fire rings are no longer allowed to be used within the National Monument.
- Leave Artifacts in Place: Collecting cultural artifacts, fossils, rocks, or petrified wood without a permit is prohibited.
- Resource Protection: Cutting or collecting any live, dead, or downed wood is not allowed.
- Pets: Leashed pets or those under voice control are welcome. Be sure to clean up after them and follow site-specific regulations.
- Limited Services: Bring your own food and water. Cell service is limited, and restrooms are only available in select areas.
- Plan Ahead: Canyons of the Ancients spans a large and remote area—expect to spend at least half a day exploring. Google Maps and GPS navigation may not always be reliable within the monument. For the most accurate directions and trip planning, it’s best to stop by or contact the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center.
- Report Vandalism: Help protect the monument. Report any damage or vandalism to the Tres Rios Field Office tip line at 833-660-5771 or email TRFOtipline@blm.gov.
- Questions? For site conditions or visitor info, call 970-882-5600.
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