National Parks and Monuments

Day trips are a breeze when you stay in Dolores. In addition to famous archaeological sites and geological wonders like Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, you can explore the Anasazi ruins at Hovenweep National Monument, Escalante, Dominguez and Lowry Ruins, as well as Crow Canyon. Aztec National Monument, Salmon Ruins and even Chaco Canyon are also within a day's reach.

Nearby scenic wonders include Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Monument Valley, and Four Corners Monument. Don't miss the Anasazi Heritage Center, a new world class museum just outside of Dolores on Colorado 184 and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Learn Ancient Cultures at the Anasazi Heritage Center

The Bureau of Land Management manages by many accounts a “world class”
museum just outside Dolores.  The Center is not only a museum, but also houses more than 3 million artifacts and archives excavated from public lands in southwestern Colorado.  Throughout the year, the museum hosts guest lectures and changing exhibits in addition to its permanent exhibits.
You can also bring the kids.  They’ll love learning about history while exploring in the museum’s interactive Discovery Area.  The museum’s
Discovery Area includes a weaving loom, corn grinding bins, and several
computer stations that share information about archaeology and modern
Native Americans.  The museum also shows original movies that explore
topics of archaeology, local history and Pueblo, Ute, and Navajo lifeways.  Also located on the museum’s grounds are two 12th century pueblos.  These pueblos are named after the Spanish friars, Escalante and Dominguez, who traveled through the area in AD 1776.  For more information, call (970) 882-5600, or visit the Center’s website at www.co.blm.gov/ahc. (Photos courtesy of BLM/AHC/CANM)  Doors are open everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument was designated in June of 2000. The Monument contains the highest concentration of archaeological sites in the nation.  These sites represent cultures and traditions spanning thousands of years.  More information about places to visit in the Monument is available at the Anasazi Heritage Center.  Four areas have been somewhat modified for the public access: Lowry Pueblo, Painted Hand Pueblo, Sand Canyon Pueblo, and the Sand Canyon Trail.  These areas are accessible from maintained county roads, but go to the Anasazi Heritage Center first to get maps, brochures, and current information about places to visit; some roads may be impassible when wet.  For more information, call (970) 882-5600, or visit the Monument’s website at www.co.blm.gov/canm. (Photos courtesy of BLM/AHC/CA