Trail of the Ancients

Follow the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway and discover important archaeological and geological sites of the Ancestral Puebloans.

The Trail of the Ancients is a Scenic Byway guiding people to a variety of important archaeological and geological sites throughout north-west New Mexico. The start of the trail begins at Chaco Canyon, a major landmark and archaeological site. Leaving Chaco Canyon, travelers will head south-west before making their way north again, stopping at over 10 different destinations.

Gallup is another central stop along the trail featuring a multitude of significant cultural events. With great places to stay, delicious food, and abundant activities, Gallup is an excellent home base for those following the Trail of the Ancients. Be sure to explore all of these locations along the trail for a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans.

1. Chaco Canyon

Active from 850-1250 AD, Chaco Canyon was an important ceremonial site for the Ancestral Puebloans. Today, Chaco Canyon is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and preserves examples of the architecture, culture, and complex community life.

2. Crownpoint

Founded in 1912 to serve the Navajo People, Crownpoint is known today for its Navajo weaver auctions where handwoven rugs are available for purchase.

3. El Malpais National Monument

Those who love caving and hiking will love exploring El Malpais National Monument. The black basalt landscape was formed by lava over a million years ago and features lava tubes, pressure ridges, caves, and cinder cones.

4. Bandelier National Monument

The hiking trails at Bandelier National Monument guide explorers to the Visitor Center, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliff, and pueblos.

5. El Morro National Monument

An important stop for Ancestral Puebloans and a vital watering hole, El Morro features around 2,000 etchings on the sandstone bluff.

The cliffs of El Morro National Monument

6. Zuni Pueblo

Zuni Pueblo is the largest of New Mexico’s 19 pueblos and provides visitors with abundant opportunities to learn about archaeology, art, culture, history and heritage through a wide variety of educational tours.

Group of Zuni Pueblo natives dressed in traditional attire dancing in the desert terrain in Gallup NM

7. Gallup

Known for its many trading posts, Gallup is a hub for Native American arts and one-of-a-kind cultural events. Every August tribes from across the nation convene at the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial at Red Rock Park to share and celebrate their cultures.

Venus Needle, visible from Navajo Service Route 31. Morning light. Heavy shadow on the west side, bright red on the east.

8. Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation features three large pueblos dating back to the 13th century CE. Archaeologists have found evidence of human activity in the Navajo Nation dating back several thousands of years. While visiting be sure to admire the incredible red rock formations that make up Monument Valley.

9. Shiprock

A remnant of volcanic activity, Shiprock is a prominent geological formation visible from many spots throughout the trail. Shiprock plays a prominent role in Navajo religion, mythology, and tradition.

10. Aztec Ruins National Monument

An UNESCO World Heritage site, the Aztec Ruins National Monument features North America’s only reconstructed Great Kiva - a large, circular, sub- or semi-subterranean structure used for ceremonies and other important gatherings.

11. Salmon Ruins

The Salmon Ruins feature 11th century puebloan ruins and a Chacoan great house. Visitors can view replicas of a sweat lodge, hogan, tipi, and pithouse to further their understanding of Ancestral Puebloan culture.

Looking for more Native American experiences along the Trail of the Ancients? Explore Bisti Badlands to enjoy otherworldly scenery or spend some time exploring the quiet town of Ramah, a Mormon settlement from the 1800’s that is still occupied today.