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Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Discover the Densest Concentration of Archaeological Sites in the U.S.

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, located in the Four Corners region of southwestern Colorado, protects an incredible cultural landscape where human history and natural beauty converge. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the monument contains more than 8,000 recorded archaeological sites—villages, kivas, rock imagery, and field houses—left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans and other Indigenous peoples who called this region home for thousands of years.

Plan Your Visit

The best place to start your journey is the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, located in Dolores, Colorado. Here, you can:

  • Explore museum exhibits on Ancestral Puebloan life, local archaeology, and cultural preservation

  • Watch an introductory film about the monument’s cultural significance

  • Shop for books, maps, and gifts at the CNHA store

  • Pick up a trail guide and talk to BLM staff about current conditions and recommended hikes

The remnants of Ancestral Puebloan homes are scattered throughout the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Please Visit with Respect and Leave No Trace to respect the heritage and future of the monument.

Visitor Center hours: Hours vary by season. Visit here for more information.

 

Things to Know

Can I ride my ATV/UTV?

OHVs must stay on designated routes only; cross-country travel is prohibited.

Can I take my pet?

Dogs are allowed and must be kept under voice control.

Can I get something to eat in the park?

Limited snack items are available at the bookstore. Otherwise, food, gas, lodging and other services are available in the nearby towns of Dolores and Cortez, Colorado.

What's the Weather Like?

This is a high desert region that experiences wide temperature fluctuations, sometimes over 40 degrees in a single day.

  • Spring and fall daytime highs average 60 – 80° F (16 – 26° C) and lows average 30 – 50°F (-1 to -10°C).
  • Summer temperatures often exceed 100° F (38° C), making strenuous exercise difficult.
  • Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30-50° F (-1 to -10 C), and lows averaging 0-20° F (-17 to -7°C).

Local weather conditions and forecasts are available from the National Weather Service.

Safety Tips

Hydration is essential in the desert, even in winter.

Take lots of water with you and drink it often as you explore the park.

Water is available at the visitor center, but is limited to five gallons per person.

Protect yourself from the sun by using sunscreen, wearing a hat and light-colored clothing.
Wear sturdy shoes.

Things to Do

Visitor Center and Museum: Stop in to see exhibits and shop the bookstore.  Rangers are on hand to answer questions you might have about the monument. Visitor center and museum hours change with the season. Click to learn more about hours.

Interpretive Programs: Ranger-guided programs, special events, and cultural demonstrations may be available during your visit; check the Activities and Events page in advance and look for posted signs when you arrive for same-day events. Self-guided activities can be picked up at the Visitor Center and Museum anytime, including a Junior Ranger booklet, museum scavenger hunts, and online at Agents of Discovery Missions.

To learn more about Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, click to vist the BLM website.