Canyon of the Ancients (Cortez, Colorado)

CANYONS OF THE ANCIENTS NATIONAL MONUMENT

(CORTEZ, COLORADO)

The 164,000-acre monument contains the highest known density of archeological sites anywhere in the United States, with rich, well-preserved remnants of native cultures going back thousands of years. All visitors to Canyons of the Ancients are encouraged to contact the Anasazi Heritage Center before visiting the National Monument, as many of the sites are in remote backcountry.

People have survived in these rugged canyons and mesas for thousands of years. Hunters and gathers likely crossed this area 10,000 years ago.

Farming in the area blossomed between 450 and 1300 A.D. Year-round villages were established, evolving from pit houses to cliff dwellings and pueblos.

The more than 20,000 archeological sites in the monument reflect many components of past human life: villages, field houses, check dams, reservoirs, great kivas, cliff dwellings, shrines, sacred springs, agricultural fields, petroglyphs and sweat lodges. Some of the area has more than 100 sites per square mile.

President Clinton signed a proclamation creating the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument on June 9, 2000 under the Antiquities Act. The Bureau of Land Management manages the site under the Department of Interior.

Lowry Pueblo, located in the Canyons of the Ancient National Monument, is fully developed, stabilized and interpreted to help educate visitors.

The 7-mile (one way) Sand Canyon Trail in the Monument passes several small cliff dwellings and travels through spectacular Canyon Scenery.

Also within the Monument, Painted Hand Pueblo, once home to an extended family, includes a tower, sleeping rooms, and storage structures dating to the last 1200s.

WHEN YOU GO:
Stop by the Anasazi Heritage Center for information and directions. Located 8 miles north of Cortez on Highway 145. Turn left on Highway 184 just before reaching the town of Dolores, continue 1 mile, you will see the center on the right.

Lowry Pueblo National Historic Landmark
Take U.S. Highway 666 to Pleasant View; turn west on County Road CC (asphalt turns to gravel) on the south side of Pleasant View. Travel west about 9 miles to the Lowry sign, turn left on the access road.

Painted Hand Pueblo
Stop by the Anasazi Heritage Center for information and directions.

Sand Canyon Trail
Take U.S. Highway 666 to County Road G south of Cortez, turn west on Road G (at the M&M Truck Stop). Travel west 12 miles to Sand Canyon trailhead. Park on open slick rock on the north side of the road. The area is adjacent to private land; please do not trespass on private land or park on the County Road. The trail is not improved. It crosses slick rock and is marked with rock cairns, and then becomes a worn dirt trail. Be sure to carry drinking water.

For more information on lodging, dining, attractions and area information:
Many of these ancient sites give a lot of inspiration for future ghost stories, artwork, or Halloween costumes. Learning about the Ancients is a great way to formulate ideas of your own if you are trying to become a writer, artist, or designer.
call 1-800-253-1616 or visit www.mesaverdecountry.com

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