The Trail of the Ancients is a byway, but its sites take backroads

Montezuma County is part of the Trail of the Ancients, a scenic and historic byway that connects ancient sites, monuments, and public lands across the Four Corners. The word “byway” makes it sound like an easy drive, and parts of it are. But getting to some of the sites it celebrates is another matter.

Many of the archaeological places out here, including spots near Canyons of the Ancients and the Colorado Hovenweep units, sit at the end of unpaved or washboard roads. Distances between towns are long, cell service drops out, and there may be no fuel, water, or shade for miles. After rain or snow, dirt roads in this country can turn to slick mud that strands ordinary vehicles.

Why this matters: plan the drive like a small expedition, not a quick errand. Check your fuel, carry water, know whether a road suits your vehicle, and watch the weather. A paved scenic loop and a rough backroad to a remote ruin are two different trips.

Before heading out, check the byway and current road and site access through CDOT scenic byways and the land agency that manages your destination.