Bicentennial-Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway

Journey through thousands of years of human history on Utah’s Bicentennial-Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, a state and nationally designated route that winds through the stunning red rock country of southeastern Utah. This corridor connects some of the most significant archaeological sites in the American Southwest, where ancient Puebloan communities once thrived among soaring sandstone cliffs and deep canyon lands.

Along the way, travelers encounter remarkable cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and ruins tucked into alcoves carved by time and weather. The landscape shifts from juniper-dotted mesas to dramatic canyon overlooks, with sweeping views of Monument Valley, Natural Bridges National Monument, and the vast expanse of Cedar Mesa. Hovenweep National Monument, with its mysterious stone towers, stands as one of the route’s most unforgettable stops.

The best time to drive is spring (April through May) or fall (September through October), when temperatures are mild and the desert light paints the landscape in warm, golden hues. Allow a full day or more to explore properly — the sites along this route reward those who slow down and step out of the car. This is Utah at its most ancient and awe-inspiring.

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