Hovenweep National Monument
CO,UT
Park Alerts (2)
About Hovenweep National Monument
Hovenweep preserves six prehistoric sites built between A.D. 1200 and 1300 which may have served as ceremonial centers.
Explore a variety of structures, including multistory towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders. The construction and attention to detail will leave you marveling at the skill and motivation of the builders.
Things To Do
Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah
Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. Learn about what to expect and check out a schedule of stargazing events at Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments. Even when formal programs are not offered, people are welcome to enjoy the parks after dark on their own.
Hike the Holly Trail
The Holly Trail (8 miles, roundtrip) offers the chance to explore away from roads and busier trails and stretch your legs with a longer hike. Gain new perspective as you traverse a canyon floor, squeeze through slot canyons, and take the long way around. At the end, your reward is reaching the towering remains and petroglyphs at the Holly Group.
Hike the Square Tower Group Loop Trail
Explore the ancestral Pueblo world with a hike around the Square Tower Group. Follow the two-mile, primitive loop trail along the canyon rim to see the famous Square Tower, Hovenweep Castle, and eight other standing structures. A trail guide offers insight into the ancestral Puebloan lifestyle in Little Ruin Canyon. Just steps from your vehicle, you can enjoy sweeping vistas, ancient dwellings, and the silence of centuries.
Walk to the Square Tower Group Overlook
Take a paved trail to this canyon overlook and see what Hovenweep has to offer! Sweeping views of sage country and ancestral Puebloan structures are just yards away from the visitor center. This trail is perfect for any season or time of day and for anyone hoping to get a good view of Hovenweep without much time or distance.
Available Activities
Weather
Hovenweep is part of the Colorado Plateau, a "high desert" region that experiences wide temperature fluctuations, sometimes over 40 degrees in a single day. The temperate (and most popular) seasons are spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October), when daytime highs average 60 to 80 F and lows average 30 to 50 F. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 F, making strenuous exercise difficult.
Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50 F, and lows averaging 0 to 20 F.
Getting There
Do not use GPS to find your way. There are numerous paved and dirt roads intersecting each other in this remote corner of Utah. The Hovenweep Visitor Center is located 40-45 miles from Cortez, Colorado, and Blanding and Bluff, Utah.
Follow driving directions on our webpage.
Plan Your Visit
Let Cairn help you plan the perfect trip to Hovenweep National Monument with AI-powered itineraries.
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All Park Hours
Hovenweep National Monument is typically open year-round. Park trails are open only sunrise to sunset.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Entry fee is valid for 7 days and grants entry for driver and passengers in one private vehicle. Does not cover camping costs.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
Admits one individual with no car. This fee type is typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Entry fee is valid for 7 days.