Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, located in the Four Corners region of southwestern Colorado, protects a stunning cultural landscape with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the United States. Encompassing 176,000 acres of public lands, the Monument features more than 8,300 documented sites—including villages, kivas, field houses, cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and ancient roadways—with estimates suggesting over 30,000 yet to be recorded.
These sites offer a window into over 12,000 years of human history, primarily shaped by Ancestral Puebloan cultures and their descendants. The area continues to be a living landscape used today for traditional purposes, recreation, hunting, livestock grazing, and energy development.
Visitors are encouraged to begin their journey at the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, which offers exhibits, trail information, and context for the region’s deep cultural heritage. While exploring the Monument’s canyons, mesas, and desert terrain, visitors are reminded to Visit with Respect and Leave No Trace to protect the resources that define this unique place.
Top Things To See & Do in 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.