The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument covers more than 174,000 acres. This site in Southwest Colorado has the highest known archeological site density in the United States, and you will want to learn more about the people who have inhabited this area over the last 10,000 years by visiting the museum and visitor center. While not all items are always on display, the collection at this museum totals more than 3 million pieces, and it is continually growing. When visiting this area, you may also want to explore Zion National Park about 110 miles away, Arches National Park about 115 miles away, Canyonslands National Park about 105 miles away. It is only about 17 miles to Mesa Verde National Park.
When traveling to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, consider staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Generally, these facilities offer limited services in exchange for no or a minimal camping fee. You can find "BLM camping near me" across the Western United States and in Alaska, so watch for these campsites as you travel.
Park in the parking lot off Road G to begin this well-maintained hike. The relatively flat trail runs to the Sand Canyons Pueblo, which contained more than 400 rooms. Along the way, it passes the Saddlehorn Pueblo, which is one of the most intact pueblos at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. It is against the law to leave the path because of the high concentration of archeological finds in this area.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This short trail runs to the Lowry Pueblo, which is a National Historic Landmark and is covered by a roof. The pueblo is unique in that it shows evidence of Chacoan and Mesa Verde construction. You should expect to spend about 3 hours exploring the pueblo.
Length: 0.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Painted Hand Pueblo Trail runs to a pueblo that was inhabited during the 1200s. The trailhead is off BLM Road 4531. The pueblo consists of a large sandstone tower perched on a sandstone boulder.
Length: -.0.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
McPhee Reservoir is a great place to go fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, northern pike, perch and kokanee salmon. Anglers particularly like to come to this location in the late spring and early summer to go smallmouth bass fishing. Rainbow trout fishing is usually great throughout the year.
Hawkins Preserve, a short distance south of Cortez, Colorado, is a fantastic place to go climbing. Climbs are divided into three general areas, with most people climbing in the east area, which is only about 200 feet from the parking lot. Others prefer to climb the two long walls in the preserve's central region. If you love bouldering, do not miss Te Van on the west side of the preserve.
Yucca House National Monument is a terrific place to go wildlife viewing. This property was obtained by the government in 1918 and has been allowed to go natural ever since. Six amphibian, 125 bird, 69 mammal and 19 reptile species have been spotted at this 30-acre site. It is a vital animal corridor between the Mesa Verde and Sleeping Ute Mountains.
Mesa Verde National Park is a terrific spot for a picnic. Consider taking a scenic drive through the park and stopping at the Cliff Palace Overlook. You can easily view the largest cliff dwelling in North America from this location.
There is no organized RV camping at Canyons of the Ancients. Therefore, you may want to consider camping at the Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park. Rangers often lead evening programs, and this is a fantastic place to go stargazing. You may also want to stay at Transfer Campground, where there are 12 individual campsites, a large group site and five sites next to a livestock corral. Target Tree Campground also has a variety of campsites, and most are under tall shade trees.
Bureau of Land Management free camping facilities can be challenging to find in this area, but you can boondock in many regions of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. There are also outstanding options in San Juan National Forest. A fantastic option is Hermosa Cree Special Management Area, and you will find terrific options for mountain biking, hiking and off-roading nearby.
The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument's museum interprets the history of the Four Corners region through three different phases, and the more that you learn before you go, the more that you will enjoy your visit. The earliest was the Ancestral Puebloans, who lived in this region about 1,400 years ago, and they are known for their pottery that they decorated with different textures, black painted designs, and contrasting colors. These pieces were used for cooking, storage and trading. The next group was the historic Pueblo, Ute and Navajo Native Americans. While the Ancestral Puebloans built some structures, these later inhabitants greatly expanded them so that they often contained living space for hundreds of families. While visiting the museum, you will learn about the first Anglo settlers in this region. These settlers mainly moved to the area after the United States created the Arizona Territory.
You will love interacting with the staff at the visitor center. Most have a deep appreciation for history and will gladly answer your questions. These experts are also a great source of information about other places to visit in the Four Corners region.
People have lived in this region for more than 1,200 years. Yet, much of the monument is in pristine condition. Please do your part to keep it that way by cleaning up after yourself. This is especially true in the museum and visitor center.
From Dolores, Colorado, head west on Colorado Highway 145. Turn right on Colorado Highway 184. The museum and visitor center will be on your right in about one mile.
Address: Canyons of the Ancients National Monument - Visitor Center and Museum, 27501 Highway 184 Dolores, Colorado 81323
Ready to visit Canyons of the Ancients National Monument - Visitor Center and Museum? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
