Hovenweep National Monument, situated on the border of Utah and Colorado, protects a group of ancient villages constructed by the ancestral Puebloan people. These stone structures are perched on canyon rims and nestled into rocky alcoves. Remarkably, they have remained intact for over 700 years.
Visiting the National Monument feels like stepping back in time. The landscape is both beautiful and rugged, and the ruins offer an intimate glimpse into how people once lived in this harsh desert environment. We help you plan your visit, including what hikes to take and where to stay.
About Hovenweep National Monument
Designated in 1923, Hovenweep National Monument protects six sites across a remote region of the Colorado Plateau. The most popular and accessible is the Square Tower Group, located within a 2-mile loop that allows visitors to explore towers, kivas, and ancient dwellings.
These sites were inhabited between 1200 and 1300 AD and once housed hundreds of people. The beauty of the hand-built structures is impressive, considering they have survived for hundreds of years.
The six villages, Square Tower, Holly, Horseshoe, Hackberry, Cutthroat Castle, and Cajon, are unconnected and spread over 20 miles along the Utah-Colorado border. Each village is a distinct unit, and visiting some requires high-clearance vehicles. Some of the sites are surrounded by Navajo land, and be extra respectful and heed signs when visiting.
Best Time to Visit Hovenweep NM
The spring and fall are the best times to visit Hovenweep National Monument. These seasons have the best weather with warm days and chilly nights. These seasons can be popular; however, due to its location, Hovenweep sees fewer visitors than other nearby National Park Service (NPS) sites.
Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C) during the day. The site has little shade, so be prepared with proper clothing and extra water. Early morning hikes are recommended.
Winters can be challenging with potential for snowfall and cold temperatures. Winter visits can be amazing, with few visitors providing solitude at the sites. Be prepared for winter conditions; we recommend hiking spikes, boots, and proper winter clothing. Ensure that people are aware of your itinerary in case of any issues.
How Long to Spend at Hovenweep National Monument
We recommend a minimum of 2+ hours to visit Hovenweep. The area has a wealth of sites to explore. For visits to Square Tower, you can see the site at a leisurely pace over about 2 hours.
For those with more time, there is plenty of opportunity to explore some of the outlying sites managed by the National Monument. We recommend having high-clearance 4WD if this is on your itinerary.
Hovenweep is quite remote and requires planning to visit. Hovenweep is a popular destination to visit, often paired with either the Canyons of the Ancients or the Four Corners National Monument.
I highly recommend Canyons of the Ancients, as it has the highest concentration of archaeological sites in the area. Four Corners I consider missable; however, it is a well-known, kitschy cultural spot and a popular stop, but it’s pretty unremarkable.
Things To Do at Hovenweep National Monument
There are several places to explore at Hovenweep. It’s an excellent spot for hiking and stargazing.
Square Tower Group Loop
The main attraction and the only developed trail at Hovenweep NM. The 2-mile loop begins at the visitor center and circles the canyon rim. The trail is mostly flat except for the area where you can enter the canyon.
Highlights include Hovenweep Castle, Hovenweep House, Square Tower, and Twin Towers. Interpretive signs along the way help tell the story.
Stargazing
Hovenweep is a designated International Dark Sky Park, and it’s easy to see why. The remoteness of the area means there’s little light pollution marring stargazing. Camping overnight is the best way to experience stargazing. The Milky Way is often visible on moonless nights.
Bird Watching
Over 100 Species of birds live or migrate through Hovenweep National Monument. It may not be renowned for bird watching but its a great place to see many common and uncommon species. Some that you may see include black-chinned hummingbird, common raven, canyon wren, jewel-toned western tanager, and long-eared owl.
Outlying Sites
If you have time and a high-clearance vehicle, consider exploring Cutthroat, Holly, Hackberry, Horseshoe, and Cajon sites. These sites are quieter and more isolated. Each has its unique layout and architectural style.
The trails here are beautiful but primitive and less visited. Some may require occasional trail-finding. I recommend checking with the visitor center for current road and trail conditions before your visit.
Where to Stay
There is a lack of accommodations available near Hovenweep National Monument due to its remote location. We recommend visiting her en route to another destination. However, if you plan to stay locally, we have some recommendations for you.
Camping
- Hovenweep Campground: 31 sites, 10 RV sites, 21 tent sites. Non-electric sites only. Reservations recommended. Flush Toilets and drinking water are available seasonally.
Hotels
- Desert Rose Resort: 45 minutes from Hovenweep. Excellent resort with clean rooms and good service. Restaurant on-site
- Bluff Dwellings Resort: 45 minutes from Hovenweep. Excellent resort, although pricier than others in the area. Onsite Spa and Restaurant.
- Retro Inn – Cortez: 1 hour from Hovenweep. Affordable, clean, quirky rooms. Breakfast included
- Holiday Inn – Cortez: Great option, but standard chain hotel rooms and service. Breakfast included
RV Parks
- Cottonwood RV Park: 45 minutes away in Bluff, UT. 22 Full RV Sites; 4 Tent Sites.
- Coral Sands RV Park: Bluff, Utah. 34 Full RV Sites (15 pull-thru). Open Feb 1 – Dec 1.
- Sundance RV Park: Located 1 hour away in Cortez, CO, with 68 full sites. Good amenities.
Basic Information
Below is basic information to help you plan your visit to Hovenweep National Monument.
Visitor Center
Located adjacent to the Square Tower Group. It includes exhibits, a small gift shop, restrooms, and the passport stamp. Rangers are available to answer questions and provide trail maps.
Hours have been changing due to staffing issues. Be sure to check the official site for any latest changes. We strive to stay current.
Hours:
- Spring: Thur – Sun: 9 am – 4 pm
- Summer: Thur – Mon: 9 am – 4 pm
- Late Fall/Winter: Weekends: Sat – 9 am – 4 pm; Sun 10 am – 3 pm;
Closed on Washington’s Birthday, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving
Fees
- Private Vehicle: $20
- Motorcycle: $15
- Bike/Hike: $10
- Annual Pass: $55
For those visiting many parks, we recommend the America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
Address
Montezuma Creek, UT 84534
Hours
The National Monument is open 24 hrs a day.
Passport Stamp
The passport stamp is located in the visitors center adjacent to the Square Tower Group.
Website: Official NPS Website
Getting to Hovenweep National Monument
Hovenweep is remote, and getting here requires some planning.
By Car
Hovenweep is located near the Utah-Colorado border, southeast of Natural Bridges NM, northwest of the Four Corners Monument, and west of Canyons of the Ancients NM.
Distances from Nearby Cities:
- Bluff, UT: 42 miles (1 hour)
- Cortez, CO: 44 miles (1 hour)
- Blanding, UT: 46 miles (1 hour)
- Durango, CO: 89 miles (2 hours)
- Moab, UT: 120 miles (2 hours)
By Air
The nearest major airports are:
- Durango-La Plata Airport (DRO): 102 miles (2 hours)
- Grand Junction Airport (GJT): 215 miles (4 hours)
- Flagstaff Airport (FLG): 260 miles (4 hours)
- Albuquerque Sunport (ABQ): 286 miles (5 hours)
- Salt Lake City Airport (SLC): 360 miles (6 hours)
Tips & FAQs
- Fill up on gas and pack food before visiting. There is no food or gas at Hovenweep; the nearest gas station is at least 30 minutes away.
- Cell Service is Limited. If you plan to explore remote areas, be sure to share your itinerary with someone.
- Dogs are allowed. But must be leashed and well-behaved.
- Do not climb or touch structures. They are sacred to Native American tribes and easily damaged. Respect and protect the site for future generations.
- Pack water and proper clothing. Summers are hot, sunny, and the trails are exposed. Winters are cold, icy, or snowy.
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