Canyon of the Ancients

Canyon of the Ancients

West of Cortez, about 45 minutes from Durango, is Canyon of the Ancients. This location was fairly recently given National Monument status.

Ancient Ruins

There are about 25-30 miles of trails open to hikers, bikers and horses. The trails wind through scenic sand stone and are littered with ancient ruins.

Ancient Ruins
Taking in the Sights

Taking in the Sights

Spectacular views abound.

The Canyon below

The Canyon below
History around every corner

History around every corner

Better than Mesa Verde

This place gets less exposure than Mesa Verde, located 20 minutes down the road, and is less crowded with a higher concentration of ruins.

Better than Mesa Verde
Peeking out

Peeking out

Hard to keep your eyes on the trail

Hard to keep your eyes on the trail
Mr. and Mrs. Robinette

Mr. and Mrs. Robinette

My wife is my best riding partner!

Nice rolling trails

Nice rolling trails
More scenery

More scenery

What an awesome day

It has been unseasonably warm this fall and going into winter. We rode this in late November and were still in shorts.

What an awesome day