Anasazi Heritage Center
www.co.blm.gov/ahc 970.882.5600
69 miles, 1.5 hour
The Anasazi Heritage Center is a museum for the study and interpretation of
prehistoric cultures in the Four Corners region. The Center stores almost two
million artifacts, samples and documents.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument/Hovenweep
www.co.blm.gov/canm 970.882.5600
100 miles, 2 hours
From about 200 to 1300 AD, this 164,000 acres of federal land was home to the
Anasazi. Located west of Cortez, the area is approximately 100 miles form Telluride.
There are limited facilities in the monument. Stop at the Anasazi Heritage Center
for maps and guides to access points before venturing into this area. Hovenweep
crosses into the southwest edge of the monument and continues west across the
Utah border.
Hovenweep National Monument
www.nps.gov/hove/ 970.562.4282
125 miles, 2.5 hours
Hovenweep protects five prehistoric, Puebloan-era villages spread over a twenty-mile expanse of mesas and canyons along the Utah-Colorado border. Information center, museum and full campground on site.
Mesa Verde
www.nps.gov/meve 970.529.4465
110 miles, 2.25 hours
Mesa Verde, named the world’s #1 historic monument destination by Condé Nast Traveler, was inhabited by the Anasazi Indians, a.k.a. “The Ancient Ones,” for 1,200 years. Major Anasazi dwellings and cliff houses are found in the park, along with hiking trails, finger canyons and abundant wildlife. A museum, guided tours, campgrounds and lodging are available.
Ute Tribal Park
www.utemountainute.com 800.847.5485
75 miles, 2 hours
Native American guides lead tours through the Ute Mountain Ute reservation to
ancient Anasazi sites, cliff dwellings, abandoned pueblos and rock art. Reservations
are required. The Ute Mountain Pottery Plant and Ute Mountain Casino are outside
the Park, south of Cortez.
Ute Indian Museum
www.coloradohistory.org 970.249.3098
67 miles, 1.25 hours
Located in Montrose on the former farmland of Chief Ouray and his wife Chipeta,
this is the only museum in the United States dedicated to a single tribe that
is not tribally owned. Inside you’ll find a variety of Ute objects and
artifacts. On the grounds is a monument to Chief Ouray and Chipeta.
