Updated September 15, 2026 01:20 PM Every hike offers a narrative, a silent testament to the landscape it traverses. Yet, certain trails possess a unique power, drawing us towards ancient dwellings and petroglyph-adorned rocks, imbuing the present with a profound sense of historical perspective. These journeys compel us to visualize the lives of those who walked these very paths centuries ago, cultivated the surrounding lands, and forged their existence in these now-serene locales. For enthusiasts like myself, who find exhilaration in archeological and cultural heritage hikes, these excursions transform a simple nature walk into a compelling quest. My annual spring backpacking pilgrimage is dedicated to unearthing new historical sites across the American West, adventures that have consistently led me to some of the most captivating and breathtaking destinations I’ve ever encountered. I understand this fascination is shared by many. However, renowned sites such as Mesa Verde National Park and Chaco Culture National Historical Park, while undeniably significant, often suffer from overcrowding. The presence of large crowds can shatter the contemplative immersion into the past, diminishing the meditative quality of the experience. With this challenge in mind, I have meticulously curated a selection of trails leading to ancient ruins that lie beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. These are genuine backcountry expeditions designed to transport you through time, immersing you in secluded and historically rich environments. A Call for Reverence: Visiting Sacred Sites with Respect The allure of interacting with ancient rock art or structures is undeniable when discovered on a remote trail. However, such impulses pose a significant threat to the preservation of these invaluable sites. Touching ancient stonework, disturbing artifacts, or removing pottery shards from the earth can inflict irreparable damage. If your motivation for seeking out these places is a genuine interest in their history and cultural significance, then approaching them with profound respect is paramount. Adhere strictly to local guidelines and regulations, remain on designated trails, and consistently practice Leave No Trace principles. It is crucial to remember that these historical remnants represent a living heritage. As a ranger in Bears Ears National Monument eloquently explained to Backpacker, the rock art and dwellings are considered sacred by the Native communities whose ancestors inhabited these lands. Therefore, visitors must approach these sites with the same level of reverence one would afford to churches, temples, cathedrals, or other deeply spiritual places. This mindful approach ensures the continued existence and integrity of these irreplaceable cultural treasures for future generations. Salt Creek Canyon Trail, Canyonlands National Park, Utah Nestled within the southeastern reaches of Canyonlands National Park, the Salt Creek Canyon Trail offers a captivating journey through a landscape rich with both natural beauty and Ancestral Puebloan history. This 22.5-mile trail can be traversed as a thru-hike in either direction or explored as an out-and-back from either trailhead. The canyon itself is a geological marvel, adorned with striking rock formations, natural arches, and a remarkable abundance of Ancestral Puebloan ruins. Along the route, hikers will discover numerous granaries, meticulously constructed by the Ute people who once inhabited this region for storing vital staples like masa flour and corn. A notable highlight is a large cliff dwelling, accessible via a spur trail, and exceptionally well-preserved petroglyphs, including iconic figures such as "America Man" and the "Five Faces." The ground at many of these sites is often dotted with ancient pottery shards, a tangible link to the past. Pro Tip: Water availability in Salt Creek can be unpredictable, making early spring the preferred season for most hikers. The canyon floor also conceals a network of lesser-known side trails, leading to hidden arches and additional ruin sites, rewarding those who venture off the main path. Trail Length: 22.5 miles (one way) Permit Required: Yes; permits for camping in Salt Creek are available on recreation.gov, released four months in advance of each seasonal block. A $35 park entrance fee is also applicable. Dogs Allowed: No House on Fire Ruin, Bears Ears National Monument, Utah The hike to the House on Fire Ruin, a mere 2.1 miles, offers a concise yet profoundly impactful encounter with ancient architecture. For those seeking a more extended exploration, the trail can be continued beyond the ruin, following Mule Creek for a total of 6.4 miles as an out-and-back. This ruin is particularly iconic, ingeniously integrated into a small sandstone alcove. The overhang above the structure creates a striking visual illusion, resembling flames erupting from the ruin’s roof. This remarkable site is but one of over 100,000 known archeological locations within the vast expanse of Bears Ears National Monument, underscoring the region’s immense cultural significance. Pro Tip: For backpackers keen on an immersive experience in the vicinity, the nearby Arch Canyon trail presents a compelling alternative. This 17.3-mile trail boasts superior camping opportunities and meanders alongside a creek, offering glimpses of natural arches and smaller, yet equally significant, Native cultural heritage sites and ruins. Given the proximity of the trailheads—less than five miles apart—it’s feasible to hike both trails within a single trip, with one permit often covering both areas. Trail Length: 2.1 miles out-and-back (to the ruin), or 6.4 miles out-and-back along the Mule Creek Trail Permit Required: Yes; a $6 reservation fee and a $5 per person day-hiking fee apply. Dogs Allowed: Yes Moon House Ruins, Bears Ears National Monument, Utah Just a few miles south of the House on Fire Ruin lies another archeological gem of comparable splendor: Moon House Ruins. Perched dramatically on a cliff face overlooking McCloyd Canyon, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into Ancestral Puebloan life. One of the structures features a room containing intricate depictions of the moon’s phases, essentially serving as an ancient Puebloan lunar calendar. The trek to this remarkable ruin is largely moderate, punctuated by sections requiring minor scrambling and the assistance of rope handlines. As you approach, panoramic views of the ruins emerge from a distance, making binoculars a valuable companion. After traversing 1.4 miles, the trail descends into the canyon, leading to the main Moon House structure. The surrounding area also reveals other, less prominent structures to the north and south, inviting further exploration. Pro Tip: To preserve the delicate environment and ensure a quality visitor experience, access to Moon House Ruins is strictly limited to 20 individuals per day. It is imperative to reserve your permit online well in advance via the recreation.gov Moon House Ruins webpage. Trail Length: 4.5 miles out-and-back Permit Required: Yes; a $6 reservation fee and a $5 per person day-hiking fee are required. Dogs Allowed: No Sand Canyon, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Colorado Southern Colorado’s Canyons of the Ancients National Monument stands as an essential destination for anyone captivated by the rich tapestry of Southwestern history. The Sand Canyon to East Rock Creek Trail to Rock Creek Trail Loop, an 11.8-mile circuit, masterfully connects three distinct trails, weaving a narrative through the landscape. Along this expansive route, hikers will encounter striking sandstone caves and breathtaking vistas of Marble Mountain, Horseshoe Mountain, Black Mountain, and Ute Peak to the south. This journey is designed for a full day’s adventure, particularly if one intends to pause and absorb the scenery while investigating the numerous Puebloan ruins scattered throughout the area. Given that not all ruins are explicitly marked, a keen eye and careful observation are crucial for their discovery. While dispersed camping is permitted within Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, it is advisable to seek out previously utilized sites and maintain a minimal impact on the environment. Pro Tip: While the Sand Canyon Trail offers a direct out-and-back route to the ruins, the loop option is not only shorter in distance but also features less elevation gain, making it a more efficient and enjoyable experience. Trail Length: 11.8-mile loop Permit Required: No Dogs Allowed: Yes Holly Pueblo, Horseshoe Pueblo, and Hackberry Pueblo Trail, Hovenweep National Monument, Utah/Colorado This distinctive trail commences within Hovenweep National Monument in Utah, leading hikers across the state border into Colorado. The 12.4-mile out-and-back route involves both ascents and descents in either direction, offering expansive views of the monument and navigating past a variety of unique rock formations. The trail also skirts the edge of a designated rare lizard and snake study area on the Colorado side, presenting an opportunity for wildlife observation. Numerous Puebloan ruins are encountered along the path, including notable structures such as the "Twin Towers" and "Hovenweep Castle." Pro Tip: Hovenweep National Monument does not permit dispersed camping. However, a substantial campground with 31 sites is conveniently located along this trail, approximately 0.3 miles past the trailhead. For those seeking dispersed camping options, connections can be made with other trails on the Colorado side that extend into Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Trail Length: 12.4 miles out-and-back Permit Required: No; however, a $20 entrance fee is required for Hovenweep National Monument. Dogs Allowed: Yes Keet Seel, Navajo National Monument, Arizona Keet Seel represents the singular inclusion on this list that necessitates a guided experience, a testament to its profound significance and the need for expert interpretation and preservation. As the largest Ancestral Puebloan structure in Arizona, Keet Seel is an awe-inspiring testament to ancient ingenuity. Unsupervised visits are strictly prohibited. The monument offers seasonal guided overnight trips to Keet Seel during the spring (April and May) and fall (September and October). The complete out-and-back hike spans a demanding 17.2 miles, involving strenuous descents into and ascents out of a canyon in both directions. However, the unparalleled reward of experiencing this ancient site firsthand justifies the effort. Daily visitor numbers are capped at 20, and guides provide invaluable insights into the history of the ruins and the Puebloan people who once thrived there. Pro Tip: Planning several months in advance is crucial for securing a spot on these guided tours. Continuously monitor the NPS Keet Seel webpage for updates on application windows. Guided overnight tours are highly sought after and are only available when sufficient staff are present to facilitate them. Trail Length: 17.2 miles out-and-back Permit Required: Yes; consult the NPS Navajo Nation webpage for detailed information on application procedures and timing. Dogs Allowed: No Post navigation From Protein Soda to Protein Bread, We Tried the Weirdest Protein Foods We Could So You Wouldn’t Have To
