Plan Your Visit
Exploring Canyons of the Ancients National Monument offers an unforgettable experience in a rugged desert landscape rich in history and cultural significance. With thousands of cultural sites spread across 176,000 acres, visitors are encouraged to travel respectfully—stay on designated trails, avoid disturbing ancient structures, and leave what you find. These fragile remnants of the past reflect over 12,000 years of connections between people and the land.
Hiking and horseback riding are welcome throughout the Monument, while mountain biking, hunting, grazing, and energy development are permitted in designated areas. Before heading out, a stop at the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum is highly recommended – staff can help you plan your route, provide updates on access and weather, and offer tips for a safe, respectful visit. Information guides and other cultural and natural resource summaries are also available on Learn and Explore.
- Safety and Conditions
When visiting the Monument, safety is paramount. Summer temperatures can soar above 100°F, and elevations range from 4,875 to 6,825 feet. Be aware of desert hiking dangers and ensure you have plenty of water and sun protection. Cell phone coverage can be unreliable, so plan accordingly. Always check local weather and fire conditions before your visit and be prepared for sudden changes.
For more information on recreational safety considerations on BLM lands, visit Know Before You Go.
- Travel and Recreation
Road Conditions: During dry conditions, a two-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance can navigate most roads in the Monument. However, some roads are dirt and a four-wheel drive vehicle may be necessary, particularly when conditions are wet or icy. RV parking for day use activities is available at the Visitor Center and some trailheads, but access may require high clearance.
Maps and Navigation: Digital, interactive Canyons of the Ancients and BLM Colorado maps provide useful information for identifying designated routes and avoiding trespassing on private land. Printed maps, including USGS topographic, are available at the Canyons of the Ancients National Museum and Visitor Center.
Hiking and Horseback Riding: These activities are permitted throughout the Monument, except in the Sand Canyon/Rock Creek Recreation Management Area, where they are restricted to designated routes. There is a corral located off County Road 10, just northeast of BLM Road 4525.
Motorized Vehicles and Bicycles: Motorized and mechanized travel is limited to designated routes. Bicycles are allowed on these routes, including those in the Sand Canyon/Rock Creek area. Phil’s World, located off L and M roads, offers a world class mountain biking trail system.
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs): OHVs must stay on designated routes only; cross-country travel is prohibited.
Rock Climbing: Climbing (rock climbing, repelling, and/or bouldering) is allowed in designated areas in the Mockingbird Mesa Recreation Management Area.
Hunting and Shooting: Hunting is permitted in undeveloped areas under state regulations. Target shooting is prohibited.
Camping and Fires: While there are no formal campgrounds in the Monument, primitive, dispersed camping is allowed in backcountry areas. Vehicles must stay within 20 feet of the edge of route surfaces. Camping and campfires are prohibited in front-country and developed areas (trails, roads, kiosks, parking areas, etc.), in archaeological sites, and within 300 feet of water sources.
Campfires require the use of firepans and must adhere to current fire restrictions. It is recommended to use lightweight stoves for cooking.
Additional information about camping in the Monument is available here: Camping and Occupancy Regulations for Tres Rios Field Office. Please see the Supplemental Rules for Canyons of the Ancients for more information on specific rules and regulations.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed and must be kept under voice control.
Wildlife Awareness: The Monument is home to various wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes. Use insect repellent to guard against biting gnats, especially in May and June.
- Activities that Require Permits
Large Groups and Guided Tours: Recreational permits are required for groups over 15 and all commercial operations, including school groups. Guided tours on the Monument are available through permitted operators and limited to a group size under 15. Contact the Canyons of the Ancients permitting staff at 970-882-5635 well in advance for guidance on permit requirements and for a list of guides. We encourage commercial tour operators to bring your groups to the Visitor Center and Museum in Dolores. You can call 970-882-5600 in advance to let us know the date and time of your visit. The fee is the same as the Entrance Fee, $7 per person. America the Beautiful Passes are not accepted for organized commercial groups. For school group visits, please visit For Educators to learn more about planning an educational visit to Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum.
Resource Extraction: The Monument supports various uses, including livestock grazing, which occurs across 98% of the area. Grazing is a historical use that has occurred since the late 1800s. Oil and gas leases cover nearly 80% of the Monument, with over 100 actively producing wells.
Christmas Tree Harvesting: Permits are required for cutting a Christmas tree. Contact the Tres Rios Field Office at 970-882-7296 for more information.
- Visit with Respect
The remnants of Ancestral Puebloan homes are scattered throughout the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Please Visit with Respect and Leave No Trace to respect the heritage and future of the monument.