---
id: "61345"
name: Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway - Utah
distance: "366"
duration: Six hours to drive or 3.5 days to experience the byway
description: Walk through time in the vivid deserts of southeastern Utah. The byway is dotted with ancient Native American remnants and natural attractions. Visit vast Monument Valley, the gentle San Juan River, and Pueblo Indian ruins. All creatures from chipmunks to bighorn sheep have their place in the desert's delicate ecosystem.
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websites:
  - url: https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/trail-of-the-ancients-ut/
    name: National Scenic Byway Association
  - url: https://www.americanlegacytours.org/utah/utahs-trail-of-the-ancients-road-trip/
    name: National Travel Center
  - url: https://www.thearmchairexplorer.com/utah/trail-of-the-ancients.php
    name: The Armchair Explorer
  - url: https://www.utah.com/things-to-do/scenic-drives/trail-of-the-ancients-scenic-drive/
    name: Utah.com Travel Site
attractions:
  - 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:
  - UT
part of:
  - "2597"
ll:
  - -109.86541700029431
  - 37.195147999680444
bounds:
  - - -110.17566700023184
    - 36.99840199995231
  - - -109.0448610000351
    - 37.87260800025899

---

Walk through time in the vivid deserts of southeastern Utah. The byway is dotted with ancient Native American remnants and natural attractions. Visit vast Monument Valley, the gentle San Juan River, and Pueblo Indian ruins. All creatures from chipmunks to bighorn sheep have their place in the desert's delicate ecosystem.