10 Unexplored Historical Sites in the Western U.S

Here are the top 10 unexplored historical sites in the Western United States. These hidden gems are full of history and if you're not a fan of crowded places like me, these spots are ideal as they're less frequented. 

1. Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona

Why It’s Cool: Within the Navajo Nation, this site consists of preserved ruins of ancient Ancestral Puebloan dwellings built into cliffs. The canyon holds cultural and spiritual importance to the Navajo people, with its Spider Rock spire, a sacred place in Navajo mythology.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Hero Photo Credit: Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons

2. Bodie Ghost Town, California

Photo Credit: Marc-Lautenbacher, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 

Why It’s Cool: Once a booming gold-mining town in the late 1800s, Bodie is now a ghost town. With over 100 buildings still standing, visitors can explore the abandoned homes, shops, and saloons.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to September) when the access roads are fully open and temperatures are comfortable. My brothers and I made the mistake of trying to get to Bodie since Google Maps redirected us to drive on a dirt road covered in snow in late March. Luckily, our instincts kicked in and we turned around as it seemed too dangerous. We could barely see the road!

3. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Photo Credit: Massimo Catarinella, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Why It’s Cool: Home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, Mesa Verde offers awesome views of where Ancestral Puebloans lived over 700 years ago. The intricate stone structures and kivas are built into the cliff faces, making it a unique archaeological site.

Best Time to Visit: Late Spring (May) and Fall (September to October) for pleasant weather and fewer visitors. (This location as been on my list for two years and each time, we've had to cancel plans either due to a family emergency or due to insane American Airlines flight re-scheduling. My brothers and I weren't prepared for an 8-hour layover. One day, we'll make it here).

4. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

Photo Credit: AlisonRuthHughes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Why It’s Cool: This UNESCO World Heritage Site was a major center of Puebloan culture between 900 and 1150 AD. The park contains huge stone buildings, astronomical alignments, and road systems that hint at a sophisticated society. The remote location and dark skies also make it a prime spot for stargazing.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) when temperatures are cooler and ideal for hiking and stargazing.

5. Fort Union National Monument, New Mexico

Photo Credit: English: NPS staff, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Why It’s Cool: Once a military post during the 19th century, Fort Union played a crucial role in the protection and development of the Santa Fe Trail. Adobe ruins offer a look into the frontier era and the westward expansion of the United States.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) for moderate temperatures and clear skies.

6. Manzanar National Historic Site, California

Why It’s Rare: This site was one of ten internment camps where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated during World War II. Manzanar is a reminder of this dark chapter in American history. The site features preserved buildings, a cemetery, and a visitor center that provides educational exhibits and personal stories from internees. Watch my video tour above and read my full recap. By the way, I tried to record the cemetery but my Insta360 camera was tripping out and the viewfinder was doing barrel rolls. I was like, oops, I guess the spirits here don't want me filming them, so I turned off my camera! 

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) for milder temperatures and to avoid the summer heat.

7. Hovenweep National Monument, Utah-Colorado Border

Photo Credit: jaygannett, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Why It’s Cool: This lesser-known site features six prehistoric villages built by the Ancestral Puebloans. The stone towers, located on canyon rims and boulders, showcase ancient engineering. The remote location offers a peaceful visit, perfect for reflection on the history and mystery of these structures.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) when temperatures are cooler and the weather is ideal for hiking.

8. Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico

Photo Credit: G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Why It’s Cool: Home to one of North America's largest collections of petroglyphs, this site offers thousands of ancient carvings made by Native Americans and early Spanish settlers. The petroglyphs are scattered across volcanic rocks, creating an outdoor gallery.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) for pleasant hiking weather and optimal lighting for viewing petroglyphs.

9. Tumacácori National Historical Park, Arizona

Photo Credit: Packbj, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Why It’s Cool: This park preserves the ruins of three Spanish mission communities. The main attraction is the Tumacácori Mission, which dates back to the late 1600s. The site provides insight into the Spanish colonization of the region, as well as the cultural exchange between European settlers and Native American tribes.

Best Time to Visit: Winter (December to February) and Spring (March to April) to avoid the intense summer heat of Arizona.

10. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, New Mexico

Photo Credit: MLMarkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Why It’s Cool: This monument consists of three remote mission ruins, each offering a glimpse into the 17th-century Spanish missionary efforts and the lives of the Puebloan people. The combination of imposing church structures and Puebloan ruins against the backdrop of the New Mexico desert creates a striking visual experience.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

Overall, these sites are less popular but equally as awesome to visit. If you're into history and seeing ruins, perhaps make a visit to one of these locations. As always, be respectful and don't leave trash, vandalize the monuments, or walk off trails. 

Have you been to any of these locations? Let me know in the comments. 

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Trip Resources

If you’re planning a road trip, here are some helpful sites that I use. Note, below are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission for every booking, with no extra cost to you. Thanks so much, in advance!

Booking.com - Anytime we need a rental car, we use this site to find deals. 

Expedia.com - I like to use this site to explore upcoming cruises that I'd like to take. I also refer to it to compare hotel prices, flights, and car rentals. 

GetYourGuide.com - Book things to do, attractions, tours and discover new food. 

VRBO.com - When we’re not staying in an AIRBNB, we’re in a VRBO rental. We use this option when we want to enjoy a full house with individual bedrooms, a kitchen, backyard and other amenities. 

TripAdvisor.com - Anytime I want reputable reviews, tips, and overall advice about a vacation area, I leverage this site. 

Viator.com - Looking for cool tours in your vacation area? This site has a number of options.