Yucca House National Monument - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are many things to do at Yucca House National Monument in Montezuma County, Colorado. Visitors can hike through the ancient ruins of the Anasazi people, explore the petroglyphs carved into the cliffs, and take in the spectacular views of the surrounding mesas. For those interested in the history of the area, there are ranger-led tours available that discuss the significance of Yucca House and its place in the cultural landscape of the Southwest.

Yucca House National Monument is located in Montezuma County, Colorado. It was established in 1974 and covers an area of 1,275 acres. The monument consists of a large pueblo ruins and a small portion of the Mesa Verde National Park. The pueblo was occupied by the Ancient Puebloan people from about AD 1200 to 1300. It is believed that the people who lived here were farmers and hunter-gatherers. The pueblo was abandoned for unknown reasons and remained empty until it was rediscovered by Euro-Americans in the late 19th century. Yucca House is one of the largest Ancestral Puebloan sites in the southwestern United States, and it provides valuable insights into the daily life of these ancient people.

The best time to visit Yucca House National Monument is in the spring or fall. The weather is milder during these seasons, making it more comfortable to explore the ruins. In addition, the vegetation is greener and more lush during these times of year.

1.  Bring a map and compass, and know how to use them - the monument is remote and cell phone service is spotty at best.
2. Visitors should be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water, as there is no potable water available on site.
3. Visitors are welcome to picnicking on site; however, please be sure to pack out all trash. 
4. Pets are not allowed on the monument grounds; however, service animals are permitted. 

1. Yucca House was established as a national monument in 1919, by President Woodrow Wilson's Proclamation No. 1549.
2. The Ancestral Pueblo people who lived in Yucca House were part of a larger culture that stretched across the southwestern United States.
3. The pueblo at Yucca House is one of the largest in Colorado, measuring over 2 acres in size.
4. Yucca House was declared a National Monument in 1923, making it one of the first archaeological sites to be protected by the federal government.

Most visitors can get an overview of the site in a few hours. If you want to explore the monument in more detail, allow at least half a day. 

To reach Yucca House National Monument, take Highway 491 south from Cortez, Colorado. The monument is located approximately 12 miles south of Cortez, just off Highway 491. There is a small parking area at the monument site.

The entrance fee for Yucca House National Monument is $3 per person.

The monument is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday.