Hovenweep National Monument consists of 6 prehistoric,
Puebloan-era villages spread over a twenty-mile expanse along the Utah-Colorado border. Multi-storied towers perched
on canyon rims and balanced on boulders lead visitors to marvel at
the skill and motivation of their builders. Hovenweep is noted for
its solitude and undeveloped, natural character.
Visitors explore the Square Tower Group
The Square Tower Group is the primary contact facility
with a visitor center, campground and interpretive trail. Other groups
(or villages) include Cajon, Cutthroat Castle, Goodman Point, Hackberry,
Holly and Horseshoe.
Hovenweep Castle
History & Culture
Human habitation at Hovenweep dates to over 10,000 years ago when
nomadic Paleoindians visited the Cajon Mesa to gather food and hunt
game. These people used the area for centuries, following the seasonal
weather patterns. By about A.D. 900, people started to settle at Hovenweep
year-round.
Directions
Hovenweep National Monument is located along the border between southeast
Utah and southwest Colorado, just north and west of Cortez, Colorado.
By Car
Paved roads lead to the visitor center and Square Tower Group from
Cortez, Colorado
(County Road G / McElmo Canyon Road), from Highway 191 south of Blanding,
Utah, and from Pleasant View, Colorado. All roads into the outlying
units are dirt and are not maintained regularly. High-clearance vehicles
are recommended for visiting these sites.
View Larger Map
Operating Hours & Seasons
Hovenweep is open year-round. The visitor center is open daily from
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours during summer. The visitor
center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
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ENTRANCE FEES
Individuals: $3 (Good for 7 Days)
This fee applies to motorcycles, bicycles and walk-ins (per person).
Vehicles: $6 (Good for 7 days)
This fee includes all occupants of a vehicle.
Local Passport: $25 (Good for one year)
Good for entrance to Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges.
Commercial Tours
Fee depends upon the capacity of the vehicle. 1 to 6 passenger vehicles
are charged $25 and $5 per person. 7 to 25 passenger vehicles are
charged $40. 26 or more passenger vehicles are charged $100.
CAMPING FEES
Sites at the campground are $10 per night. All sites
are first-come, first-served.
Nearby Attractions
The clear skies and unique architecture of Hovenweep never fail to inspire
visitors. Be sure to bring a camera, easel or journal to record your
trip.
The clear skies and unique architecture of Hovenweep never fail to inspire
visitors. Be sure to bring a camera, easel or journal to record your
trip.
Camping
There is a small campground near the visitor center
which is open year round on a first-come, first-served basis. The
sites are designed for tent camping, though a few sites will accommodate
RVs up to 36 feet long. Sites include tent pads, fire grills and picnic
tables with shade structures. The fee is $10.00 per night. Flush toilets
and running water are available.
Hiking
The trail system at Hovenweep provides visitors excellent
views of all the archeological sites. The Square Tower Group features
a two mile loop that begins at the visitor center and is a perfect
starting point for any visit. Between the visitor center and the first
overlook (a distance of roughly 300 yards), the trail is paved and
may be traversed by visitors in wheelchairs with assistance. Most
visitors spend an hour exploring the area, with the full two-mile
loop taking at least 1.5 hours.
Visitors may also explore the outlying sites, which
include Cajon, Cutthroat Castle, Goodman Point, Holly and Horseshoe/Hackberry.
Most areas have very short (a half mile or less one-way) trails which
are primitive and lightly maintained. Backpacking is not permitted
at Hovenweep.
Interpretive Programs
Rangers conduct short patio and overlook talks on
a regular basis spring through fall. Subjects vary from season to
season. Please contact the park or ask at the visitor center for current
schedules. Guided walks and other interpretive programs can be arranged
for larger groups. Please contact us in advance.
Stargazing
There are many compelling stories told about Hovenweep.
One story observes that several of the structures and rock art panels
seem designed to mark major celestial events such as the summer solstice.
While this is largely conjecture, the open skies of Hovenweep certainly
draw one's attention, and fortunately the night sky is about as dark
today as it was 700 years ago.
Nearby Attractions
Arches National Park
Aztec
Ruins National Monument
Canyonlands
National Park
Chaco Culture
National Historical Park
Glen Canyon
National Recreation Area
Mesa Verde
National Park
Natural Bridges National
Monument
Anasazi
Heritage Center
Canyonlands
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
