Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trail of the Ancients
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Mileage: 135 miles
Why Go?
Explore the canyons, mountains and plains once inhabited by Ancestral Puebloans, with all
of their mystery intact. This road trip connects Mesa Verde with Canyon of the Ancients
and Hovenweep National Monuments, and also wanders down to the Four Corners state
boundaries.
The Route
Start at Mesa Verde National Park, the true highlight of the itinerary with over 5000 archae-
ological sites within the 52,073-acre national park, including 600 Ancestral Puebloan cliff
dwellings.
From Mesa Verde, take Hwy 145 north to Dolores through a windswept high desert land-
scape of cracked red earth, coyotes and sagebrush. Stop at the Anasazi Heritage Center,
where you can peruse more ancient artifacts, including pottery from AD 400.
Leave Dolores via Hwy 184 West and take Hwy 491 south to Cortez, where County
Road G takes you to McElmo Canyon (continue on the same county road for Hovenweep).
In McElmo Canyon you can stay at Kelly Place, with kivas and private trails to ruins, and
visit nearby Guy Drew Vineyard for a taster. Next stop, Canyon of the Ancients and
Hovenweep National Monuments: both are Ancestral Puebloan treasures that have been
largely left alone for hundreds of years. These trails are so solitary, you can almost hear
spirit guide whispers on the wind.
Another branch of the byway leads southwest from Mesa Verde on Hwy 491 and then
Hwy 160 to the actual Four Corners state boundaries.
When to Go
These roads are open year-round, but if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, they're best
avoided in the hottest months, July and August.
