Roadside Ruin

Roadside Ruin is a preserved Native American structure located just a short hike (1/3 mile round trip) from the park road. The ruin is a typical ancestral Puebloan-era structure that is in good condition, tucked away beneath a ledge above a dry wash.

Nearly 700 years ago ancestral Puebloans survived here in the Canyonlands area. Structures like the Roadside Ruin were used for storage or ceremonial purposes. Many of these structures have been found in the area and still stand, but few villages have been found by archeologists, suggesting that early inhabitants may have just farmed and lived seasonally here.

The short hike to the ruin is easy walking and perfect for families. Native plants can be found along the trail, and a trail guide is available that coincides with numbered posts along the hike for those looking to learn more about the area’s vegetation.