8. Rico and the Dolores River Valley
From Telluride, the drive offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and hiking options near or above the timberline. When you reach the old mining town of Rico, stop at its Rico Historical Museum to learn about the area’s past. Past Rico, the road follows the scenic Dolores River Valley, with plenty of trailheads leading to dense forests and rushing mountain streams.
9. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
The small town of Dolores is a must-stop along this route, especially for a visit to the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum. This is an ideal place to learn about the Ancestral Puebloans and how to visit with respect. Indoors you’ll find museum exhibits and a replica of a Pueblo-style loom you can learn how to use.
Outside, a short but steep paved trail leads to the Escalante Pueblo, a small site dating from A.D. 1100, featuring several kivas and remains of ancient rooms. This site, along with thousands of others, is part of the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. You can reach one of its largest ruins, Lowry Pueblo, by taking a short side trip from Dolores.
10. Mesa Verde National Park
The town of Cortez is best known as a gateway to Mesa Verde National Park, home of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the Four Corners region. The world-famous Cliff Palace is the largest one in North America. The first archaeological site designated as a national park, Mesa Verde is home to more than 4,000 sites built between the 6th and 12th centuries. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the park is a must-do for anyone driving this route.
