---
id: "2597"
name: Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway
distance: "480"
duration: Nine hours to drive (including backtracking) or six days to enjoy the byway
description: Explore the long and intriguing occupation of the Four Corners region by Native American peoples. Travel through the archaeological heartland of America while crossing the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. World-renowned Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley Tribal Park, and Four Corners Monument are highlights on the trail.
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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 - Colorado
  - url: https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/trail-of-the-ancients-ut/
    name: National Scenic Byway Association - Utah
  - url: https://www.americanlegacytours.org/colorado/trail-of-the-ancients-road-trip/
    name: National Travel Center - Colorado
  - url: https://www.americanlegacytours.org/utah/utahs-trail-of-the-ancients-road-trip/
    name: National Travel Center - Utah
  - url: https://www.thearmchairexplorer.com/colorado/trail-of-the-ancients.php
    name: The Armchair Explorer - Colorado
  - url: https://www.thearmchairexplorer.com/utah/trail-of-the-ancients.php
    name: The Armchair Explorer - Utah
  - url: https://www.utah.com/things-to-do/scenic-drives/trail-of-the-ancients-scenic-drive/
    name: Utah.com Travel Site
attractions:
  - url: https://www.utah.com/destinations/national-monuments/four-corners/
    name: Four Corners Monument
  - url: https://mesaverdecountry.com/
    name: Mesa Verde Country
  - url: https://www.utahscanyoncountry.com/
    name: Utah's Canyon Country
designations:
  - National Scenic Byway
  - Utah State Scenic Byway
states:
  - CO
  - UT
includes:
  - "2118"
  - "61345"
ll:
  - -108.9591520000647
  - 37.030880000311754
bounds:
  - - -110.17566700023184
    - 36.99840199995231
  - - -108.41126999991053
    - 37.87260800025899

---

Explore the long and intriguing occupation of the Four Corners region by Native American peoples. Travel through the archaeological heartland of America while crossing the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. World-renowned Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley Tribal Park, and Four Corners Monument are highlights on the trail.