Overview
Up to 6,000 archaeological site are recorded so far as existing within the newly established Canyons of the Ancients National Monument - about 100 per square mile in many places. This is an area where visitors and avid ancient site explorers can have serious fun. Infrastructure is still undeveloped, there is only a few unpaved roads through the whole area. Adventurers can wander on foot, training their eyes to see the hidden gems that exist all over the area - cliff dwellings and rock art.
Key Attractions
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So far, as a newly designated monument, there is one interpretive site and two hiking trails
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Lowry Pueblo - self-guided tour, just north of Cortez, CO
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Sand Canyon - off McElmo Canyon Road, hiking trail that passes several cliff dwellings and Painted Hand Pueblo, a beautiful backcountry site that has intricate pictographs and a standing tower
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The Anasazi Heritage Center - Southwest Colorado’s premier archaeological museum of the Ancestral Puebloan and other cultures of the Four Corners region - it features:
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exhibits on archaeology, local history, and culture
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two 12th century archaeological sites
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special events
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teaching resources
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a research library
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over 3 million artifacts and records from archaeological projects
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a picnic area, nature hike, and gift shop
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Location
The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is located 10 miles north of Cortez and 3 miles west of Dolores, CO. The Heritage Center is 27401 Hwy 184, Dolores, CO 81323.
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