Canyons of the Ancients
United States, Colorado
Canyons of the Ancients
LocationUnited States, Colorado
RegionColorado
TypeNational Monument
Coordinates37.3830°, -108.6830°
EstablishedJune 9, 2000
Area664
Nearest CityCortez (20 mi)
Major CityGrand Junction (120 mi)
0About Canyons of the Ancients
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument protects the highest known density of archaeological sites in the United States, with over 6,000 recorded sites including cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and ancient pueblos. The monument preserves the cultural legacy of ancestral Puebloan people who lived in the area for over 700 years. The landscape features sandstone canyons, mesas, and diverse ecosystems supporting wildlife and plant communities. The monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).