The Bureau of Land Management's National Landscape Conservation System includes 16 national monuments in eight western states. These national monuments encompass landscapes of tremendous beauty and diversity, ranging from rugged California coastline to vividly-hued desert canyons.

The Antiquities Act of 1906 grants the President authority to designate national monuments in order to protect “objects of historic or scientific interest.” While most national monuments are established by the President, Congress has also occasionally established national monuments protecting natural or historic features. Since 1906, the President and Congress have created more than 100 national monuments. National monuments are currently managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the BLM.

CANYONS OF THE ANCIENTS NATIONAL MONUMENT invites you to travel back in time to learn about Ancestral Puebloan culture and the area’s fragile resources. The Monument has the highest known density of archaeological sites and is one of the most studied archaeological landscapes in the nation. The Anasazi Heritage Center is a world class museum and headquarters for the Monument. Before visiting the Monument, stop at the Heritage Center for maps and information. Exhibits, films and special programs interpret the history and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people, the Monument, Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway, and the Four Corners region. Visitors can enjoy a range of experiences, from visiting the Lowry Pueblo to exploring the more remote Painted Hand Pueblo. The six-mile Sand Canyon Trail is a favorite spot for hiking.

©Robert Jensen

For a list of other national monuments click here

• Map of National Monuments  (JPEG)    (PDF)  
• Detail Table - National Monuments   (PDF)