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Canyons of the Ancient National Monument
The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is located in southwest Colorado. Elevations within the monument range from about 4,900 feet to about 7,500 feet above sea level. The outer boundaries of the area encompass approximately 183,000 acres of land, approximately 164,000 acres of which are in federal ownership and managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Containing the highest known density of archaeological sites in the Nation, the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years. This area, with its intertwined natural and cultural resources, is a rugged landscape, a quality that greatly contributes to the protection of its scientific and historic objects. The monument offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe, study, and experience how cultures lived and adapted over time in the American Southwest. For more information, please contact the Anasazi Heritage Center.
RecAreaDirections
All visitors to the monument are encouraged to contact the Anasazi Heritage Center before visiting the monument. From Dolores, Colorado, travel west on State Highway 145, then turn west (right) on State Highway 184. Or if you are coming from Cortez, travel north on State Highway 145, then turn west (left) on State Highway 184. Continue for approximately 1 mile and the Anasazi Heritage Center will be on your right. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is generally located North and West of Cortez Colorado to the South, Dove Creek to the North, and the Utah border to the West.
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Facilities
Canyons of the Ancients Museum Tours Ticket Facility
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum serves as headquarters to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and is southwest Colorado's premier archaeological museum featuring Ancestral Puebloan, Native American, and historic cultures in the Four Corners region. The museum curates almost 4 million artifacts from the surrounding area and hosts special exhibits, films and programs regularly. Stop by the Visitor Center and Museum before heading onto the Monument to help plan your trip. Ticket reservations are required for admission to the museum only. All visitors age 17 years and older will need a ticket to visit the museum. Individuals 16 years and under do not need a ticket. In order to meet the CDC, state and local guidance related to COVID-19, tickets will be required to be purchased in advance and museum self-guided tours will be scheduled for 1 hour appointment slots during the museum’s hours of operation. Tours are limited to groups of 10 or less visitors. Canyon of the Ancients National Monument is always free to access, and there is no charge to visit the Visitor Center and access information and brochures about the Monument.
