| The Monument sits amidst the rugged high desert in the southwestern corner of Colorado. This semiarid mesa and canyon country—speckled with pinyon, juniper, and sage—is treasured for the richness of its natural landscape and cultural heritage. The Monument contains a huge number of archaeological sites, with over 6,000 discovered so far, representing Ancestral Puebloan and other Native American cultures. Visitors planning to explore the Monument should first stop at the Anasazi Heritage Center for orientation. |
| Elevation: |
Between 4,900 and 7,500 feet |
| Hours: |
Daily from sunrise to sunset. |
| Visitor Center: |
The Anasazi Heritage Center. |
| Facilities: |
The Anasazi Heritage Center. |
| Directions: |
The Anasazi Heritage Center is the headquarters for the Monument. It is located 10 miles north of Cortez, Colorado, or three miles west of Dolores, Colorado, on Highway 184. |
| coordinates (NAD83): |
Map coordinates (NAD83): 37 28.300N; 108 32.396W. |
| Weather: |
Summer temperatures may exceed 100 degrees F. Temperatures may drop significantly at night. |
| Regulations: |
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| Precautions: |
- Carry and use insect repellent. Expect biting gnats in May and June.
- Watch for rattlesnakes, mountain lions, scorpions, black widow spiders, and other potential dangers.
- Most Monument roads are unpaved and primitive; some are suitable for four-wheel drive only.
- See Backcountry Considerations.
- See Backcountry Emergencies.
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