---
id: "2118"
name: Trail of the Ancients - Colorado
distance: "114"
duration: Three hours to drive or 2.5 days to visit the byway
description: Explore the long and intriguing occupation of Southwestern Colorado by Native American peoples. Travel through the archaeological heartland of America while crossing the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Colorado high desert. World-renowned Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Tribal Park are highlights on The Trail.
path:
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websites:
  - url: https://www.codot.gov/travel/colorado-byways/southwest/trail-ancients
    name: Colorado Byways
  - url: https://www.colorado.com/byways/trail-of-the-ancients
    name: Colorado Travel Guide
  - url: https://www.coloradodirectory.com/maps/ancients.html
    name: Colorado Vacation Directory
  - url: https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/trail-of-the-ancients-co/
    name: National Scenic Byway Association
  - url: https://www.americanlegacytours.org/colorado/trail-of-the-ancients-road-trip/
    name: National Travel Center
  - url: https://www.thearmchairexplorer.com/colorado/trail-of-the-ancients.php
    name: The Armchair Explorer
attractions:
  - url: https://mesaverdecountry.com/
    name: Mesa Verde Country
  - url: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/monte-vista
    name: Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
designations:
  - National Scenic Byway
  - Colorado State Scenic Byway
states:
  - CO
part of:
  - "2597"
ll:
  - -108.9591520000647
  - 37.030880000311754
bounds:
  - - -109.04563899993985
    - 36.99906199981143
  - - -108.41126999991053
    - 37.58840199985241

---

Explore the long and intriguing occupation of Southwestern Colorado by Native American peoples. Travel through the archaeological heartland of America while crossing the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Colorado high desert. World-renowned Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Tribal Park are highlights on The Trail.