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Canyons of the Ancients National Monument – Image Gallery

Deep in the heart of the Colorado Plateau is a vast landscape that contains the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation—Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation, including Paleoindian, Archaic, Basketmaker, and Ancestral Puebloan, as well as historic Ute, Navajo, and Anglo cultures. A Presidential proclamation established the monument in 2000, making it a part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region. It is also the starting point for visitors to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17
Deep in the heart of the Colorado Plateau is a vast landscape that contains the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation—Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation, including Paleoindian, Archaic, Basketmaker, and Ancestral Puebloan, as well as historic Ute, Navajo, and Anglo cultures. A Presidential proclamation established the monument in 2000, making it a part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region. It is also the starting point for visitors to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17
The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.
The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.
The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.
The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.
The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.
The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.
Sand Canyon, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument


Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Colorado is a vast, rugged landscape filled with ancient ruins and rock art dating back over 1,000 years.

Details

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is located in southwestern Colorado and covers over 176,000 acres of rugged canyons, mesas, and pinyon-juniper forests. The monument was established in 2000 to protect and preserve over 6,000 archaeological sites that date back over 10,000 years, making it one of the most significant cultural landscapes in the United States.

Features:

  • Archaeological sites: The monument is home to numerous cliff dwellings, villages, and rock art sites left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans. These sites provide valuable insights into the lives of the ancient inhabitants of the region.
  • Canyons and mesas: The rugged landscape of the monument features deep canyons, towering mesas, and sandstone formations that offer stunning views and opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, and photography.
  • Wildlife: The monument is home to a variety of wildlife species, including mule deer, elk, mountain lions, and golden eagles. Visitors may also spot desert bighorn sheep, black bears, and numerous bird species while exploring the area.
  • Cultural resources: In addition to the archaeological sites, the monument also contains historic ranches, mining sites, and homesteads that provide a glimpse into the more recent history of the region.

Ecological Significance:

The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is an ecologically diverse area that supports a wide range of plant and animal species. The monument's diverse habitats, including pinyon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush shrublands, and riparian areas, provide important habitat for wildlife and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the region.

Additionally, the monument's archaeological sites are of significant ecological importance as they provide valuable information about the interactions between ancient peoples and the environment. Studying how past cultures adapted to and interacted with their surroundings can inform modern conservation and land management practices, helping to preserve the ecological integrity of the area for future generations.



Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Points of Interest

Points of Interest in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

  • Lowry Pueblo: This ancient pueblo site dates back to around 1060 AD and was inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans. Visitors can explore the ruins of the pueblo and learn about the history of the site through interpretive signs.
  • Painted Hand Pueblo: This pueblo site features well-preserved kivas and petroglyphs. Visitors can see ancient rock art created by the Ancestral Puebloans, depicting handprints and other symbols.
  • Sand Canyon Trail: This popular hiking trail offers stunning views of the surrounding canyons and access to several ancient pueblo sites. Visitors can see cliff dwellings, rock art, and other archaeological remains along the trail.
  • Sand Creek Pueblo: This pueblo site is located near Sand Canyon Trail and features a large kiva and several rooms. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the daily life of the ancient inhabitants.
  • Rock Creek Pueblo: This pueblo site is located along Rock Creek and features a large plaza and several kivas. Visitors can see the remains of ancient structures and learn about the architectural techniques used by the Ancestral Puebloans.
These are just a few of the many points of interest in the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, picnicking, and camping in the monument. Additionally, the visitor center offers exhibits, information, and guided tours for those looking to learn more about the history and archaeology of the area.



Canyons of the Ancients National Monument – Images


Image by – Public domain – Wikimedia

Deep in the heart of the Colorado Plateau is a vast landscape that contains the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation—Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation, including Paleoindian, Archaic, Basketmaker, and Ancestral Puebloan, as well as historic Ute, Navajo, and Anglo cultures. A Presidential proclamation established the monument in 2000, making it a part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region. It is also the starting point for visitors to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17

Description: Deep in the heart of the Colorado Plateau is a vast landscape that contains the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation—Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation, including Paleoindian, Archaic, Basketmaker, and Ancestral Puebloan, as well as historic Ute, Navajo, and Anglo cultures. A Presidential proclamation established the monument in 2000, making it a part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region. It is also the starting point for visitors to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

Deep in the heart of the Colorado Plateau is a vast landscape that contains the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation—Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation, including Paleoindian, Archaic, Basketmaker, and Ancestral Puebloan, as well as historic Ute, Navajo, and Anglo cultures. A Presidential proclamation established the monument in 2000, making it a part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region. It is also the starting point for visitors to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17

Description: Deep in the heart of the Colorado Plateau is a vast landscape that contains the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation—Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation, including Paleoindian, Archaic, Basketmaker, and Ancestral Puebloan, as well as historic Ute, Navajo, and Anglo cultures. A Presidential proclamation established the monument in 2000, making it a part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region. It is also the starting point for visitors to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.

Description: The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.

Description: The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.

Description: The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.

Description: The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.

Description: The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.

Description: The roadtrip stops first at a location with the highest known density of archaeological sites in the nation — Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Here, ancient cliff dwellings, great kivas, sacred springs, and rock art sites are spread across a rugged landscape. The 178,000-acre monument in southwestern Colorado holds evidence of cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years, offering unparalleled opportunities to study and experience how cultures in the American Southwest lived and adapted over time. More than 100 years of archaeological exploration and research have led to more than 6,350 recorded sites representing all time periods of occupation. The BLM’s Anasazi Heritage Center within the monument is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other native cultures in the Four Corners region.

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

Sand Canyon, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Description: Sand Canyon, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Image by Will Thomas – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

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