Step back thousands of years on the Trail of the Ancients, a remarkable 1,271-mile journey weaving through Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. This National Scenic Byway traces the footsteps of the Ancestral Puebloan people, revealing one of America’s most extraordinary concentrations of archaeological treasures.

The route connects iconic destinations that define the Southwest: the dramatic red spires of Monument Valley rising from the desert floor, the mysterious cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, and the stunning natural stone bridges carved over millennia at Natural Bridges National Monument. Visit Zuni Pueblo, where Native American traditions remain vibrantly alive, and explore the volcanic landscapes of El Malpais National Monument, where lava flows create an otherworldly terrain.

Along the way, high desert mesas give way to deep canyons, ancient petroglyphs adorn sandstone walls, and vast skies stretch endlessly overhead. Small towns like Monticello offer authentic Western hospitality and serve as gateways to remote wilderness.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer mild temperatures and stunning light for photography.

Suggested Duration: Allow 5–7 days minimum to appreciate the archaeological sites, scenic overlooks, and cultural experiences this magnificent loop has to offer.

Explore Nearby

• Hovenweep National Monument Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Colorado
• Cross Canyon Wilderness Study Area — Public Land in Utah
• Canyons of the Ancient National Monument — Public Land in Colorado
• Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum — State Park in Utah
• Mancos State Park — State Park in Colorado