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Trail of the Ancients

These roads through the desert of Colorado and New Mexico are rich with the history and living culture of the Native American people, from the hundreds of Anasazi sites in the region to the Utes, Hopi and Navajo who still live here. The Trail of the Ancients byway connects several nationally designated sites to preserve these cultural treasures, including Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep, and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.


 The Basics

Location: In extreme southwest Colorado, near Mesa Verde National Park
Setting: Desert / Red Rock
Surface: Paved
Length: 114 miles (all segments)
This byway consists of many spurs and adjunct roads, and so is not frequently driven in its entirety.
Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours
Camping Info: McPhee Reservoir, Target Tree
Season: Year-round



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