Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (CANM) in southwestern Colorado contains a huge number of archaeological sites-- more than 6000 recorded so far, and up to 100 per square mile in some places-- representing Ancestral Puebloan and other Native American cultures. CANM is managed as an integral cultural landscape containing a wealth of historic and environmental resources.

• The Monument is managed to protect cultural and natural resources while allowing for a variety of uses. Cattle are grazed under permit, and oil and gas developments exist.
• Hunting is allowed.
• There are no campgrounds in the Canyons of the Ancients. Primitive camping is allowed in most areas, but vehicles must not travel off-road. Developed public-land campsites are nearby at Hovenweep National Monument in Utah, and at McPhee Reservoir west of Dolores.
• Most roads in the monument are primitive, unpaved, four-wheel-drive routes. Motorized travel is restricted to existing roads only. Mountain bicycles are allowed only on trails designated for their use.
• Deer, elk, mountain lion, coyote, fox, wild turkey, ducks, rabbits, and mourning doves are found here, as are rare snakes and lizards. Peregrine falcons and bald eagles hunt in the area from November to May.
• Guided hunting trips, archaeological excursions, and tours by horse or jeep are provided by private companies under permit. Information is available at the Anasazi Heritage Center or at the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez.
  
  

• Three BLM Wilderness Study Areas (Cross Canyon, Squaw/Papoose Canyons, and Cahone Canyon) exist within the boundaries of the Monument . These areas are closed to all motorized and mechanized access.