Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, Historic byway in northwestern New Mexico, United States

The Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway is a New Mexico Scenic Byway, designated a National Scenic Byway on January 19, 2021, that links prehistoric archaeological and geological sites of northwestern New Mexico. Its center and starting point is Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reached by National Park Service signs from U.S. Route 550 via County Road 7900. The route uses U.S. Route 64, U.S. Route 550, NM 57, NM 122 and other state, county and Navajo Nation roads.

The byway was designated a New Mexico Scenic Byway after July 31, 1998, and became a National Scenic Byway on January 19, 2021. Its route links sites of hunter-gatherers who lived in the area from 10,000 B.C. or earlier with Ancestral Puebloan ruins occupied between about 850 and 1250 A.D., including Chaco Canyon, the ceremonial center of that period.

Crownpoint hosts a monthly auction of Navajo rugs, where weavers from the surrounding area bring their work to sell. North of Gallup, the Two Grey Hills and Toadlena trading posts serve about 1,500 Navajo people, some of whom sell their woven rugs there. Gallup also sells Indian crafts and has a mural to the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II.

Water and fuel are scarce along most of the route, so carry supplies before setting out. Plan stops at small towns where basic services are available to resupply.

The Bisti De-Na-Zin Wilderness features deeply eroded badland formations with exposed layers of ancient stone and scattered petrified wood. The landscape takes on otherworldly shapes with its colorful rock layers and unusual terrain.