Mesa Verde Country’s Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway Wins Public-Private Partnership Award from the National Scenic Byway Foundation
Cortez, Colo. – Mesa Verde Country in Southwest Colorado is pleased to announce that the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway was granted the Public-Private Partnership Award as part of the National Scenic Byway Foundation’s inaugural Byway Organization Awards. The Trail of the Ancients, which was awarded a National Scenic Byways Program grant in 2011-12, was recognized in the Public-Private Partnership category. It is one of eight categories the National Scenic Byway Foundation awarded in 2020.
The Trail of the Ancients meanders 114-miles through the cultural and historic region of the Four Corners in Colorado. There are so many archaeological sites along this stretch of desert highway that it was the first National Scenic Byway designated solely for the sheer number of them. Sites along the byway include: Four Corners Monument, Ute Tribal Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum, Lowry Pueblo, Hovenweep National Monument, Cortez Cultural Center, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, and the Galloping Goose Museum.
“The Trail of the Ancients treks through the archaeological heartland of America, and when it’s safe to do so, we invite travelers to use it to explore Mesa Verde Country,” says Kelly Kirkpatrick, Executive Director of Mesa Verde Country. “It’s worth taking several days to drive the trail, following in the footsteps of the ancient people who came before and taking in the beauty and the history all around you.”
Kirkpatrick adds that because Trail of the Ancients is isolated in many places, it’s a good idea to start your journey prepared with plenty of fuel, water, and food. The communities of Cortez, Mancos, and Dolores offer lodging and restaurants for recharging along the route.
To learn more about the Trail of the Ancients in Colorado, go to https://www.mesaverdecountry.com/trail-of-the-ancients/. Visit MesaVerdeCountry.com to begin planning your trip.
About Mesa Verde Country (www.mesaverdecountry.com)
Mesa Verde Country is in southwest Colorado near the entrance to the magnificent Mesa Verde National Park. The nearby towns of Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos provide accommodations, dining, outdoor fun and visitor services. Named the “Number One Historic Monument in the World” by Conde Nast Traveler and one of the "50 Places of a Lifetime-The World's Greatest Destinations” by National Geographic, Mesa Verde National Park is one of the nation’s first World Heritage sites and the largest archaeological preserve in the country. Two national byways pass through Mesa Verde Country. In addition to the National Park, Mesa Verde Country is loaded with other archaeological attractions: Hovenweep National Monument, Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, and the Cortez Cultural Center. Mountain biking enthusiasts have recognized Mesa Verde Country as one of the next great mountain biking destinations.
Contacts
Christy Nielson, Ore Communications, 206-399-1914, [email protected]
Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-531-2336, [email protected]