Explore world heritage sites and archaeology as you travel two of southwest Colorado's scenic and historic byways.
Donate to the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byways Association
The McElmo Creek Flume, near Cortez, is the last surviving flume of the 104 built in the 1890s to irrigate the Montezuma Valley. Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byways Association is seeking donations to help restore this historic structure.
Day 1
Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez
Please call for current hours.
Friendly volunteers provide personal attention and make this an excellent stop for information when visiting the…
Montezuma Restaurant
Mexican restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks.
Galloping Goose Railroad Museum
Housed in a replica of the original Dolores depot, the museum tells the interconnected story of the town and the Rio Grande Southern Railroad and features…
Yucca House National Monument
Large, unexcavated Ancestral Puebloan valley pueblo near Towaoc.
Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez
Hampton Inn Mesa Verde lodging features large, spacious guest rooms with fresh modern decor.
Day 2
The Pie Maker Bakery
The Pie Maker is a small batch bakery, locally owned and operated since 2012 in Montezuma County, Colorado. We specialize in sweet & savory pastries,…
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Looking to enhance your understanding of Southwest histories and cultures or embark on a transformative experience? Discover Archaeology Webinar Series,…
Piccadilly Circus Pizza
Piccadilly Circus Pizza is the leading provider of fresh food for the convenience store industry.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center and Museum, BLM
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum contains a 3.5 million-item research collection. Exhibits interpret the history and culture of the…
End Your Night on the Reservoir
McPhee Reservoir's marina has kayaks for rent May–October. Paddle around on Colorado's second-largest lake before enjoying your picnic under…
Pick Up Dinner
Stop into the Safeway on Main Street in Cortez to grab deli sandwiches, chips, apples and drinks for dinner. Then head to the McPhee Reservoir for a sunset picnic.
Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez
Hampton Inn Mesa Verde lodging features large, spacious guest rooms with fresh modern decor.
Day 3
Ute Coffee Shop
Chicken fried steaks, homemade soups, breakfast served all day.
Head to the McElmo Flume No. 6
Pull into the point-of-interest where you can get out of your car and walk to the overlook where information panels explain the history of the water…
Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe
Patio Dining at its best! Stop at Spruce Tree Terrace Café, located in the heart of Mesa Verde National Park, for favorite American classics and Southwest…
Drive 700 Years of Mesa Verde History
The Mesa Loop Road tour is a 6-mile (10 km) driving tour with short, paved trails. Twelve easily-accessible sites, including surface dwellings and cliff…
Metate Room
Mesa Verde Metate Room Restaurant received "Award of Culinary Excellence" from the American Culinary Federation Colorado Chefs Association in the area…
Enjoy an Evening Program
Stop in for a Morefield Campground Evening Program or purchase tickets for the Cliff Palace Twilight Tour before heading to bed.
Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez
Hampton Inn Mesa Verde lodging features large, spacious guest rooms with fresh modern decor.
Day 4
Far View Terrace Cafe
Casual food-court setting features breakfast burritos and omelet station, a yogurt bar, and standard breakfast fare. For lunch, daily specials including…
Drive to Durango
Head to Durango for the rest of the day; the drive is about an hour.
Animas Museum
The 1904 Animas city school building is a charming local history museum which offers a variety of exhibits and programs for all ages. It's also home…
Diamond Belle Saloon
If you're standing in the Diamond Belle Saloon, located in Durango, Colorado, you just may have stepped back in time. Revered as one of the most famous…
The Center of Southwest Studies Museum at Fort Lewis College
The Center of Southwest Studies Museum collections include The Durango Collection® of Navajo, Puebloan and Hispano textiles, plus baskets, beadwork,…
Eolus Bar & Dining
Majestic Mt. Eolus is the namesake of our dining establishment. We offer rooftop dining year round on our warm heated patio or an interior dining area…
Take a Historic Walking Tour
Walk around downtown Durango on an evening excursion to learn about the history of buildings, sites and more.
Rochester Hotel
The Rochester Hotel provides unique historic accommodations in the heart of downtown Durango, walking distance to shops, restaurants, activities and…
Day 5
Breakfast in the Hotel
Start your day off early with a hot breakfast in the Rochester Hotel.
Southern Ute Museum
The Southern Ute Museum celebrates the living history of Colorado's longest continuous residents with multi-sensory exhibitions, rare artifact collections…
The Rose Cafe
One of the best places to eat in Ignacio, The Rose Cafe is great for families to experience American food, like our tacos.
Hike around Lake Nighthouse
Stretch your legs and walk your dog at Lake Nighthouse Recreation Area March–November.
Sky Ute Casino Resort
Seven Rivers Steaks Seafood Spirits
Join us where Seven Rivers meet to create an amazing authentic steakhouse experience. Deep wood tones…
Sky Ute Casino Resort
Seven Rivers Steaks Seafood Spirits
Join us where Seven Rivers meet to create an amazing authentic steakhouse experience. Deep wood tones…
Rochester Hotel
The Rochester Hotel provides unique historic accommodations in the heart of downtown Durango, walking distance to shops, restaurants, activities and…