To make the most of your visit to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (CANM), begin at the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum. Staff can provide maps, brochures, and tips on where to go and what to see. Located at the same site, the museum features exhibits that explore the region’s deep archaeological and cultural history. Visitor services are free, while a small admission fee applies for museum entry.
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center
Free Admission: Entry to the Visitor Center is free for all guests, and there’s no fee to enter the National Monument itself.
Amenities & Accessibility: The Visitor Center is wheelchair-accessible and features restrooms, RV and bus parking, and a small gift shop. Knowledgeable staff are available to offer maps, Junior Ranger materials, updates on site conditions, and recommendations for exploring the monument. Outside, visitors can enjoy a peaceful picnic area and native plant gardens that showcase the region’s distinctive high desert flora.
Gift Shop: Browse a thoughtfully curated gift shop featuring books, artwork, and educational items inspired by the archaeology and Indigenous heritage of the Four Corners region.
Nearby Sites & Points of Interest: Right outside the Visitor Center, you can explore Dominguez Pueblo and Escalante Pueblo. The Escalante Trail is a wheelchair-accessible trail (~1 mile) that offers views of Sleeping Ute Mountain and McPhee Reservoir, making it a scenic and educational stop.
Museum
Admission Details: Museum entry is free for youth under age 16, Tribal members, and those with a valid America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass. A standard admission fee applies to all other visitors—please visit the official website for current prices.
Exhibits & Programs: Engage with the past through dynamic exhibits that explore daily life and traditions of Ancestral Puebloan cultures. The museum features authentic artifacts, educational displays, and multimedia presentations that highlight both archaeological discoveries and Indigenous perspectives. Rotating exhibits and special events offer fresh opportunities for exploration throughout the year.
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center hours, location & Contact info
- Hours
- Summer (March 1 – October 31): Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 5pm
- Winter (November 1 – February 28): Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
- Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
- Location: 27501 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323
- Phone: (970) 882‑5600
- Website:https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/canyons-of-the-ancients/visitor-center
