Tucked away in the remote desert landscape along the Colorado–Utah border, Hovenweep National Monument is one of the Southwest’s most fascinating and under-visited archaeological sites. Home to mysterious, towering stone structures built over 700 years ago by the Ancestral Puebloans, Hovenweep offers a rare opportunity to walk among the remnants of an ancient civilization—without the crowds found at more famous sites like Mesa Verde.
If you’re looking for a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural significance, Hovenweep is well worth the journey. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit and explore this captivating monument.
Where Is Hovenweep National Monument?
Hovenweep straddles the border of southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado, located about:
- 45 miles from Cortez, Colorado
- 90 miles from Moab, Utah
- 115 miles from Durango, Colorado
- 300 miles from Colorado Springs
The closest town with basic services is Bluff, Utah, though many visitors stay in Cortez or Blanding, Utah and make a day trip to the park.
📍 Visitor Center Address:
Hovenweep National Monument
Montezuma Creek–Hovenweep Road
Montezuma County, Colorado / San Juan County, Utah
Google Maps Location
What Makes Hovenweep Special?
Hovenweep means “deserted valley,” a fitting name for this remote and quiet place, yet it was once a vibrant home to hundreds of Ancestral Puebloans. Unlike the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, the structures at Hovenweep were built above ground, often right on the edges of deep canyons.
What sets Hovenweep apart is its architecture and setting. The towers—some circular, some square, others D-shaped—were masterfully constructed using local sandstone, fitted together with such precision that many still stand after centuries of exposure to the elements.
These buildings likely served a mix of ceremonial, residential, and defensive purposes, and many align with solar and lunar events, highlighting the Puebloans’ deep understanding of astronomy.
Main Sites to Explore
Hovenweep National Monument consists of six separate units, but the main and most accessible one is the Square Tower Group near the visitor center. Most visitors focus their time here, but the outlying units are worth exploring if you have extra time and a high-clearance vehicle.
1. Square Tower Group
- Location: Next to the visitor center
- Trail: 2-mile loop
- Highlights: Square Tower, Hovenweep Castle, Twin Towers, Hovenweep House
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate (some rocky terrain and elevation changes)
This is the best place to get a full view of the site’s scale, complexity, and beauty. The loop trail offers close-up views of the structures, interpretive signs, and stunning views of the surrounding canyon.
2. Outlying Sites (More Remote)
These additional units are less developed and require driving on rough roads, but they offer a more rugged experience:
- Holly Group
- Hackberry Group
- Cutthroat Castle
- Cajon Group
- Goodman Point (in Colorado)
📍 Learn more about each site: https://www.nps.gov/hove/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
How to Get There
Because Hovenweep is remote, you’ll need your own vehicle, and GPS can be unreliable. It’s best to bring printed directions or download offline maps. Roads to the visitor center are paved, but the access roads to outlying units are unpaved and often require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles, especially after rain.
🗺️ Driving directions: https://www.nps.gov/hove/planyourvisit/directions.htm
When to Visit
Hovenweep is open year-round, but the best seasons are spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) when temperatures are mild.
Weather Considerations:
- Summer: Can reach over 100°F; not ideal for hiking midday
- Winter: Cold, with occasional snow and icy trails
- Spring/Fall: Best weather for hiking and photography
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
Things to Know Before You Go
✅ Bring Water
There is no water available on the trails. Bring at least 1–2 liters per person, more in summer.
✅ Pack Snacks and Sunscreen
There are no concessions or food options within the monument. Pack high-energy snacks, wear sun protection, and consider a hat and sunglasses.
✅ Wear Appropriate Footwear
Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for the uneven, rocky terrain.
✅ Check Trail Conditions
Flash floods and storms can make some trails hazardous. Always check current conditions at the NPS website or at the visitor center.
✅ Cell Service Is Limited
Be prepared to disconnect—and enjoy the solitude.
Camping and Nearby Lodging
🏕️ Hovenweep Campground
- 31 sites (first-come, first-served)
- $20 per night
- Open year-round
- No hookups; vault toilets available
- More info: https://www.nps.gov/hove/planyourvisit/camping.htm
🛏️ Nearby Lodging Options:
- Cortez, CO: https://www.cityofcortez.com/
- Bluff, UT: https://www.bluffutah.org/
- Blanding, UT: https://www.blandingutah.org/
Other Nearby Attractions
If you’re exploring the Four Corners area, Hovenweep pairs well with other nearby destinations:
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument – Features more than 6,000 ancient sites across 176,000 acres
- Mesa Verde National Park – Known for its famous cliff dwellings, just an hour’s drive away
- Natural Bridges National Monument – Offers hiking and incredible geological formations
- Bears Ears National Monument – A sacred and culturally rich area with trails, ruins, and rock art
Why Hovenweep Should Be on Your Itinerary
Hovenweep may not have the name recognition of Mesa Verde or Arches, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a place where you can stand in silence, surrounded by centuries-old towers, and feel the weight of history and mystery in the air.
Whether you’re into archaeology, photography, hiking, or just exploring places few others do, Hovenweep delivers. It’s a destination that invites reflection and leaves a lasting impression.
Ready to explore one of the Southwest’s best-kept secrets? Hovenweep is waiting.
