Hovenweep National Monument preserves six prehistoric Ancestral Pueblo sites on the Utah-Colorado border, featuring multistory stone towers built between AD 1200–1300. Explore hiking trails, stunning masonry, and scenic canyons where ancient ingenuity still captures the imagination.
Overview
Hovenweep National Monument protects six prehistoric village sites constructed between AD 1200 and 1300, showcasing remarkable multistory stone towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders. These structures are thought to have served as ceremonial centers, demonstrating the architectural skill and motivation of the Ancestral Pueblo builders. The monument spans a remote region along the Utah-Colorado border, allowing visitors to explore these unique ruins amidst scenic canyon landscapes .
Ancestral Pueblo Legacy
The Ancestral Pueblo people constructed these sites during the late 13th century, leaving behind towers, pueblos, and other stone structures. Though much about their purpose remains a mystery, archaeological research suggests these were important community and ceremonial centers. The craftsmanship and placement of the towers—some precariously perched on boulders—highlight advanced engineering and cultural significance .
Modern Stewardship
Today, Hovenweep is managed by the National Park Service, offering visitors opportunities to hike to the ruins, learn about Pueblo history, and enjoy the natural beauty of southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado. The monument is open year-round with an entrance fee and card-only transactions for safety and convenience .
Plan Your Visit
Hovenweep's sites are spread out, accessible by vehicle with walking required to explore the ruins fully. Visitors should plan ahead for directions, seasonal conditions, and available trails.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is the gateway for orientation, park information, and trip planning. Rangers can assist with questions, trail guidance, and up-to-date conditions.
- Hours: Open year-round; check for seasonal variations.
- Location: Central point for park orientation and educational materials.
- Services: Maps, exhibits, and ranger information desk available .
Cajon Viewsite
Cajon Viewsite features dramatic towers visible from the rim of Cajon Canyon. A short trail leads visitors closer to these iconic ruins, showcasing tower foundations perched on large boulders.
- Access: Short, easy walk from parking area.
- Highlights: Unique construction techniques and scenic canyon views.
- Trail: Cajon Viewpoint Trail offers an elevated perspective of the ruins .
Square Tower Village
Square Tower Village features a striking, four-sided tower built atop a large sandstone block, alongside additional room blocks and defensive walls.
- Access: Short trail loops through the site.
- Highlights: Architectural stability and unique tower placement.
- Trail: Square Tower Trail provides close-up exploration of the masonry .
Holly Canyon Campsite
Holly Canyon Campsite contains ruins integrated into the natural canyon floor, including towers and room blocks that blend with the landscape.
- Access: Hiking required via the Holly Trail.
- Highlights: Ruins in a sheltered canyon environment.
- Trail: Holly Trail leads to these remote structures, offering immersion in both nature and history .
Huginmonth Viewsite
Huginmonth Viewsite features impressive stonework with multistory towers and extensive room blocks along a scenic canyon rim.
- Access: Trails available for in-depth site exploration.
- Highlights: Larger-than-average tower remains and strategic placement.
- Trail: Huginmonth Trail explores the full extent of the site’s ruins .
Grand Gulch Viewsite
Grand Gulch Viewsite offers ruins set within a deep canyon, visible only by foot along a more rugged trail.
- Access: Remote and requires hiking.
- Highlights: Secluded tower ruins integrated into the canyon landscape.
- Trail: Grand Gulch Trail offers adventure and archaeological discovery .
Hiking
Hovenweep offers several hiking trails that lead visitors to ancient ruins, scenic overlooks, and through beautiful canyon and desert landscapes.
Self-Guided Trails
Sandal Trail
A 1.3-mile roundtrip trail leading to an overlook of the Betatakin cliff dwelling. The trail is paved with an elevation loss of up to 150 feet. This is the only point in the park where the cliff dwellings can be seen aside from the guided tours.
Aspen Trail
An 0.8-mile roundtrip nature trail that ends at an overlook of the relict forest at the bottom of the Betatakin canyon. This trail has an elevation loss up to 350 feet. Cliff dwellings cannot be seen from this trail.
Canyon View Trail
A 0.8-mile roundtrip nature trail that goes along the canyon rim from the visitor center to the park's historic ranger station. There is no elevation loss due to the trail being relatively flat. Cliff dwellings cannot be seen from this trail.
Additional Site Trails
- Cajon Viewpoint Trail: Offers views of the Cajon Canyon towers from the rim.
- Square Tower Trail: A short loop through Square Tower Village ruins.
- Holly Trail: Leads into Holly Canyon to view integrated ruins and natural features.
- Huginmonth Trail: Explores extensive ruins including multistory towers.
- Grand Gulch Trail: A remote hike to secluded canyon-embedded structures .
Camping
Hovenweep does not operate its own campground, but the Huginmonth Campground in the monument offers camping opportunities. Additional campgrounds may be available in nearby regions.
- Huginmonth Campground: Provides tent sites and access to monument features.
- Reservations: Check for availability and seasonal operation.
- Amenities: Basic facilities; plan for primitive camping conditions .
Additional Information
Geology
The monument’s landscape is shaped by erosional forces that carved the canyons and influenced the placement of the stone towers. Geological formations include sandstone cliffs, alcoves, and boulder-strewn canyon rims that provided natural foundations for the ancient builders.
- Canyon Formation: Water erosion created deep canyons and natural alcoves.
- Tower Placement: Some towers are uniquely balanced on large boulders or integrated into the canyon walls.
- Visitor Education: Trails and exhibits explain these geological processes in detail .
Flora and Fauna
Hovenweep is home to desert-adapted plants and animals that thrive in the canyon and high desert environment.
- Flora: Includes juniper, pinyon pine, sagebrush, and various desert wildflowers.
- Fauna: Lizards, birds, small mammals, and insects are commonly seen along trails and near ruins.
- Ecological Adaptations: Plants and animals have adapted to scarce water and temperature extremes characteristic of the region .
Night Sky
Hovenweep is an excellent location for stargazing, with dark skies that reveal countless stars and celestial phenomena.
- Stargazing Events: The park occasionally hosts night sky observation events.
- Dark Sky Preservation: Efforts are made to minimize light pollution for optimal viewing.
- Visitor Experience: Clear desert air and high elevation create ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts .
Contact and Directions
Mailing Address:
McElmo Route
Cortez, CO
Phone: 970-562-4282 x
Driving Directions: Hovenweep’s units are isolated, and GPS units may lead you astray. It is recommended to check the park’s official directions page and use provided maps during your visit. The monument straddles the Utah-Colorado border with multiple access points to the different sites .
Hovenweep National Monument offers a captivating journey into ancient Pueblo architecture, scenic canyon landscapes, and remote Southwestern beauty. Whether hiking to stone towers, enjoying panoramic views, or exploring archaeological mysteries, visitors will find inspiration in every step.
Links
Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025
