Last Updated on September 1, 2022 by Left Lane












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During my 5100 mile road trip out west. One of the many places I stopped to visit along the way was the Canyons of The Ancients National Monument.
At this amazing park, with breathtaking scenery. You can view the remains of the ancient mud brick dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan’s, also known as the Anasazi.

The Pueblos

Even though they had no written language. They still had other ways of communicating with each other in a nonverbal manner. Such as the Petroglyph’s they literally left carved into stone.
Want to see some of their Petroglyph’s? Just check out my other article RIGHT HERE
After entering the park, just before you approach the Anasazi Heritage Welcome Center. Just off the edge of the sidewalk you encounter the Dominguez Pueblo, a small 3 room Pueblo.
The Dominguez Pueblo


After visiting the Dominguez Pueblo, you can head inside the Visitor Center & Museum to see some of the intriguing artifacts recovered from various sites around the Canyon. If you would like to see some of these amazing pieces of human history, you can visit their Facebook page HERE.
I spent the majority of the day exploring Mesa Verde National Park. Just a short 20 minutes, or 18 mile drive from Canyons of The Ancients National Monument. Unfortunately I got to the Museum just as they closed at 4p.m, and didn’t get the opportunity to go inside.
They still had a 1/2 mile long nature trail, that you could walk. Allowing you to see breathtaking views, and visit another Pueblo higher up the trail. For a 1 mile round trip, it’s most definitely worth it.
On The Trail

Before walking up the silent, scenic nature trail in the winter alone. I read a sign that most definitely did the exact opposite of put me at peace.

I was taking this photo just 35 minutes before sunset. I broke two of the rules, just begging to be ate, I went alone, and at dusk, but luckily the big cats didn’t want any Roving Gypsy on the menu that day! 🤣
Trying to follow Rule #2 as I hiked the nature trail alone. I ended up singing (nope I don’t have a good voice 🤣). Rattling my car keys, and clanking some loose coins I had in my pocket to make racket. Just in case there was a Mountain Lion on the prowl within earshot.
If there was anyone else around on the other side of the trees, they may have thought a crazy man was approaching by all the noise I was keeping up during my hike 😂. Look, I rather sound crazy, then be dinner. 🤷🏽♂️
The View

After your done admiring the view from over 7000 feet above sea level. You proceed over to the next, and one of the more impressive Pueblos on the trail.
The Escalante Pueblo



Checkout The Scenery!
The surrounding landscape, is absolutely beautiful. It isn’t hard to see why the Ancestral Puebloans chose to stay at this location.



Way To Close The Day
After spending the whole day on the move, leaving right after breakfast to Explore Mesa Verde National Park. Continuing my exploration of Colorado over at Cayons of the Ancients National Monument. I was ready to kick back, and relax for the rest of the night.
After hiking many a nature trail for the day, and driving some nerve racking alpine roads. It was time for dinner. Seeking out a local restaurant, I couldn’t try back home. I found a burger place in Durango Colorado, that didn’t disappoint.


After leaving Famburger I headed over to the local Convenience Store Speedway, where I searched for a locally brewed adult beverage to try out.

For those who follow the Beer Advocate for reviews, this one is rated 76 out of 100
The Roving Gypsy
Thanks for reading my Travel Blog. I hope you enjoyed this solo Colorado Adventure to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument as much as I did. Like what you read, and want more, or have a suggestion for me? Follow, Share, and Comment to let me know.