5 Days
Explore world heritage sites and archaeology as you travel two of southwest Colorado's scenic and historic byways.
Sustainability Activity
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
activity
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…
lunch
Montezuma Restaurant
Mexican restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks.
activity
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…
activity
Yucca House National Monument
Large, unexcavated Ancestral Puebloan valley pueblo near Towaoc.
lodging
Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez
Hampton Inn Mesa Verde lodging features large, spacious guest rooms with fresh modern decor.
Day 2
breakfast
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,…
activity
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Looking to enhance your understanding of Southwest histories and cultures or embark on a transformative experience? Discover Archaeology Webinar Series,…
lunch
Piccadilly Circus Pizza
Piccadilly Circus Pizza is the leading provider of fresh food for the convenience store industry.
activity
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…
activity
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…
Insider's Tip
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.
lodging
Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez
Hampton Inn Mesa Verde lodging features large, spacious guest rooms with fresh modern decor.
Day 3
breakfast
Ute Coffee Shop
Chicken fried steaks, homemade soups, breakfast served all day.
activity
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…
lunch
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…
activity
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…
dinner
Metate Room
Mesa Verde Metate Room Restaurant received "Award of Culinary Excellence" from the American Culinary Federation Colorado Chefs Association in the area…
activity
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.
lodging
Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez
Hampton Inn Mesa Verde lodging features large, spacious guest rooms with fresh modern decor.
Day 4
breakfast
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…
Insider's Tip
Drive to Durango
Head to Durango for the rest of the day; the drive is about an hour.
activity
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…
lunch
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…
activity
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,…
dinner
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…
activity
Take a Historic Walking Tour
Walk around downtown Durango on an evening excursion to learn about the history of buildings, sites and more.
lodging
Rochester Hotel
The Rochester Hotel provides unique historic accommodations in the heart of downtown Durango, walking distance to shops, restaurants, activities and…
Day 5
Insider's Tip
Breakfast in the Hotel
Start your day off early with a hot breakfast in the Rochester Hotel.
activity
Southern Ute Museum
The Southern Ute Museum celebrates the living history of Colorado's longest continuous residents with multi-sensory exhibitions, rare artifact collections…
lunch
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.
activity
Hike around Lake Nighthouse
Stretch your legs and walk your dog at Lake Nighthouse Recreation Area March–November.
dinner
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…
activity
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…
lodging
Rochester Hotel
The Rochester Hotel provides unique historic accommodations in the heart of downtown Durango, walking distance to shops, restaurants, activities and…