Winding 662 miles through the heart of New Mexico, the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway traces a path through thousands of years of human history set against dramatic Southwestern landscapes. This state-designated scenic byway connects ancient pueblos, weathered cliff dwellings, and sacred ceremonial sites that tell the story of the Ancestral Puebloan, Navajo, and other Indigenous peoples who shaped this land.

Travelers will encounter striking mesas, deep sandstone canyons, and vast stretches of high desert painted in ochre and rust. Along the route, stops at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Aztec Ruins National Monument, and Salmon Ruins reveal remarkably preserved stone architecture dating back centuries. Small communities like Farmington and Grants offer welcoming rest stops with local cuisine and regional museums that deepen the journey’s cultural context.

The byway rewards those who slow down — pull over for petroglyphs etched into volcanic rock, scan the horizon where ancient roads once connected distant communities, and watch the light transform the landscape at golden hour.

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable driving conditions with mild temperatures and clear skies. Allow three to four days to fully appreciate the route’s archaeological treasures and sweeping desert vistas.

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