An Itinerary That Takes You Through Historic Native American Routes and Culturally Significant Places

A road trip is more than just a journey from one destination to another; it’s an adventure filled with discovery, learning, and a chance to dive deep into the diverse cultures that make up the United States. While most road trips focus on scenic drives, national parks, or iconic American landmarks, few are designed with an emphasis on the country’s Indigenous heritage. For travelers seeking a meaningful and educational experience, a road trip that explores Native American trails and landmarks offers a unique perspective on history, culture, and the enduring connection between Indigenous peoples and the land.

This itinerary takes you on a journey through some of the most historically significant Native American routes and culturally important sites across the country. From the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans in the Southwest to the spiritual landscapes of the Great Plains and the sacred trails of the Cherokee, this road trip offers a deeper understanding of America’s Indigenous roots.

Starting Point: Santa Fe, New Mexico – A Cultural Hub of the Southwest

Your journey begins in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a city steeped in Indigenous culture and history. Santa Fe is known for its vibrant Native American art scene, rich Pueblo heritage, and centuries-old traditions. This city serves as a perfect starting point for a road trip that delves into the heart of Native American culture.

Must-See Stops:

• The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture: Located on Museum Hill, this museum showcases a vast collection of Native American artifacts, art, and history. It offers an excellent introduction to the Pueblo peoples of the region and provides context for many of the sites you’ll encounter on your journey.
• The Santa Fe Indian Market: If your visit coincides with August, you can experience the world’s largest Native American art market. Featuring over 1,000 artists from various tribes, the market is a celebration of Indigenous creativity, culture, and community.

Stop 1: Taos Pueblo, New Mexico – A Living Cultural Heritage

A short drive north from Santa Fe takes you to Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. The multi-story adobe structures of Taos Pueblo have been home to the Taos people for over 1,000 years.

Must-See Stops:

• Guided Tour of Taos Pueblo: Take a guided tour to learn about the history, culture, and spiritual significance of this remarkable community. The Pueblo is still home to many residents who maintain traditional practices, offering a unique glimpse into living Indigenous culture.
• Taos Plaza: The historic plaza in downtown Taos is surrounded by galleries, shops, and eateries where you can purchase Native American arts and crafts and enjoy traditional cuisine.

Stop 2: Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado – Ancient Cliff Dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans

From Taos, head north into Colorado to explore Mesa Verde National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves some of the best examples of Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, which were inhabited between 600 and 1300 AD.

Must-See Stops:

• Cliff Palace: As the largest cliff dwelling in North America, Cliff Palace offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. Guided tours provide insights into their sophisticated architecture, spiritual practices, and daily life.
• Balcony House and Spruce Tree House: These smaller but equally impressive cliff dwellings offer additional perspectives on how these ancient communities adapted to their challenging environment. The park’s interpretive trails and exhibits help contextualize the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans.

Stop 3: Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah Border – Sacred Landscapes of the Navajo Nation

Continue west to Monument Valley, one of the most iconic landscapes in the American West. Located within the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley is famous for its towering red sandstone buttes, but it is also a place of deep spiritual significance for the Navajo people.

Must-See Stops:

• Navajo Guided Tours: Take a tour led by Navajo guides who can share the stories, legends, and cultural significance of the valley’s landmarks, such as the Mittens, Totem Pole, and Thunderbird Mesa. These guides offer a perspective that goes beyond the dramatic scenery, highlighting the connection between the land and Navajo spirituality.
• Hogan Visits: Some tours include visits to traditional Navajo hogans, where you can learn about Navajo culture, storytelling, and crafts such as weaving and silversmithing. These experiences provide a deeper understanding of Navajo traditions and their ongoing presence in the region.

Stop 4: Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona – A Sacred Canyon of the Navajo People

From Monument Valley, drive south to Canyon de Chelly National Monument, another sacred site on Navajo land. This canyon has been continuously inhabited for nearly 5,000 years and remains a living cultural landscape for the Navajo people.

Must-See Stops:

• White House Ruins Trail: This trail leads to the White House Ruins, an ancient cliff dwelling nestled within the canyon walls. The hike offers a close-up view of these historic structures while also providing stunning vistas of the canyon’s dramatic scenery.
• Spider Rock: This towering spire is a focal point of the canyon and holds deep spiritual significance for the Navajo. According to Navajo legend, Spider Woman, a key figure in Navajo cosmology, resides atop the rock. The area around Spider Rock is used for religious ceremonies and is a symbol of the Navajo’s enduring connection to the land.

Stop 5: The Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee Border – Exploring Cherokee Heritage

As you head east, your next major stop is the Great Smoky Mountains, a region with deep cultural ties to the Cherokee people. Before European colonization, the Cherokee lived throughout the Appalachian Mountains, and the Great Smokies are still central to their history and identity.

Must-See Stops:

• Oconaluftee Indian Village: Located near Cherokee, North Carolina, this living history museum recreates a Cherokee village from the 18th century. You can see demonstrations of traditional crafts, listen to Cherokee stories, and learn about the tribe’s governance, language, and spiritual beliefs.
• Cherokee Heritage Trails: These trails span the Smokies and highlight key historical sites, including ancient burial mounds, village sites, and sacred natural landmarks. The trails offer an opportunity to explore the mountains from a Cherokee perspective, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural importance of the land.

Stop 6: Cahokia Mounds, Illinois – The Ancient City of the Mississippians

Travel further into the Midwest to visit Cahokia Mounds, located near St. Louis, Missouri. Cahokia was once a thriving metropolis and the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico. It served as a major center for the Mississippian culture between 900 and 1350 AD.

Must-See Stops:

• Monks Mound: Climb to the top of this massive earthen mound, the largest of its kind in North America, to get a sense of the scale of the ancient city. Cahokia was a complex society with a sophisticated understanding of agriculture, astronomy, and urban planning.
• Interpretive Center: The museum at Cahokia Mounds offers exhibits that provide insights into the daily life, political structure, and religious practices of the Mississippians. The center’s displays include tools, pottery, and recreations of the city’s layout, offering a comprehensive look at this once-flourishing civilization.

Stop 7: The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail – A Sobering Journey of Survival

As you make your way south, follow part of the Trail of Tears, a historic route that commemorates the forced removal of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole peoples from their ancestral homelands in the Southeast to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) in the 1830s.

Must-See Stops:

• Trail of Tears State Park, Missouri: This park preserves part of the route taken by the Cherokee during their removal. The visitor center includes exhibits that detail the hardships faced by those who walked the trail, many of whom died from exposure, disease, and starvation.
• John Ross House, Georgia: Located in Rossville, Georgia, this historic home belonged to Cherokee Chief John Ross, who led his people during the Trail of Tears. The house is now a museum that tells the story of the Cherokee’s struggle to remain on their land and the tragic consequences of their forced relocation.

Final Stop: The Black Hills and Bear Butte, South Dakota – Sacred Landscapes of the Lakota and Cheyenne

Your road trip concludes in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a region sacred to the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes. The Black Hills are home to Bear Butte, a site of spiritual importance where many tribes conduct ceremonies and vision quests.

Must-See Stops:

• Bear Butte State Park: Hike to the top of Bear Butte, where you’ll see prayer cloths and offerings left by Native people. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains and serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual connection between land and culture.
• Crazy Horse Memorial: Located in the Black Hills, this massive monument honors the legendary Lakota leader Crazy Horse. Though still under construction, the memorial is a symbol of Native American resistance and pride. The site also includes a museum dedicated to Native American history and culture, offering a comprehensive understanding of the region’s Indigenous heritage.

Conclusion: A Journey Through Time, Culture, and Landscape

This road trip through Native American trails and