Native American History

Ultimate Guide to Anasazi Historical Sites

in Southeastern UT

The astoundingly beautiful landscape of southern Utah is a marvel to all who come to see it. Between Arches, Canyonlands, and several of our smaller state parks, you’ll have no shortage of ruby rock formations to admire on your vacation. 


However, the only thing that can match the vibrancy of Utah’s natural landmarks is the vibrant culture of the Native Americans. Blanding is surrounded by ancestral puebloan ruins of cultures long gone, many of which are built into the environment. Anasazi ruins are the most common.


In this guide, we want to cover some of the most significant Native American ruins and attractions in the area. Don’t miss out on this enriching cultural experience!

Historical Exhibits

Canyon Country Discovery Center

Address: 1117 N Main St, Monticello, UT

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 10AM - 4PM, Closed Sundays and Mondays


This is less of a historical museum and more of an educational one! It’s great for young kids who are discovering the world around them. There are physics experiments, natural exhibits and much more. Maybe not a reason to go to Monticello on its own, but can be fun as a pit stop!

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Edge of the Cedars Museum

Address: 660 W 400 N, Blanding, UT

Hours: 9AM - 5PM


When it comes to Native American attractions, Edge of the Cedars is one of the most accessible for our guests. It’s the go-to place in town for artifacts and pueblos. We talk more about Edge of the Cedars in our museum article, so feel free to check it out for the details!

Sand Island Petroglyph Panel

Directions:

  • Drive South on Highway 191 until you pass Bluff, UT.
  • You should see turn at the sign for the Sand Island Recreation Area
  • Drive 0.2 miles until you see the parking area near a chain link fence.
  • There’s a short path up to the rock art panel.


Everyone’s heard of cave drawings made by ancient people, but here you’ll have a chance to see some writing from a more archaic age. Whether the images are made by carving into the rock or by some form of paint, it’s fascinating to see these written relics in person.

Learn about this Attraction


Bears Ears Ruins

Butler Wash Ruins

Length: 0.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate


Bears Ears National Monument has several interesting Native American dwellings that haven’t been weathered by the natural world. Butler Wash was home to people dating back to 1200 A.D. The short trek is dog-friendly and family-friendly, and can be strung together with some of the other hikes in the area.

Go on this Hike!

Monarch Cave

Length: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate


Another Bears Ears attraction, Monarch Cave is a slightly more strenuous (though shady) hike that will lead you to more ruins, handprints, and cave drawings. Make sure everyone in your group respects the trail and keep some distance from the ancient dwelling!

Go on this Hike!

Mule Canyon Ruins

House on Fire

Length: 1.9 miles

Difficulty: Moderate


Mule Canyon Kiva

Relax under this shaded kiva and find out what it might have been like to live in one of these dwellings! It’s relaxing and quaint, but it’s a fun pit stop on your way to some of the hikes.


Mule Canyon Cave Towers

The short hike up the rocky hills has a couple of towers likely used for defense by the Anasazi. It’s a short walk to the ruins, making it well-worth your attention!

See the Area

Four Corners

Address: 597 NM-597, Teec Nos Pos, AZ

Hours: 8AM - 6:45PM

Cost: $8 per person


Are you trying to fill in your state’s visited map, and want an easy way to check off four of them? Come to the Four Corners monument—the only place that you can be in four states at one time.

When you arrive at the monument, you’ll see vendors at all four corners, selling souvenirs from all the different states! While maybe not the most thrilling attraction, it’s the only place you can actually do this in the entire country, so you might as well visit it for that alone!

Check on the masking requirements for the monument by clicking the button below!

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Shopping

Cedar Mesa Pottery

Length: 0.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate


Bears Ears National Monument has several interesting Native American dwellings that haven’t been weathered by the natural world. Butler Wash was home to people dating back to 1200 A.D. The short trek is dog-friendly and family-friendly, and can be strung together with some of the other hikes in the area.

Go Shopping

Twin Rocks Trading Post

Address: 913 Navajo Twins Dr, Bluff, UT

Hours: 9AM - 6PM


For guests looking for a variety of merchandise, the Twin Rocks Trading Post has everything from jewelry to handmade Navajo rugs. The prices here can be expensive, but if you have the budget for it you may as well enjoy the Utah treasures!

Go Shopping
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