The canyon and mesa country north of the San Juan River contains a number of archaeological sites where the ancestors of today's Pueblo Indians once lived. Today, round, square, and D-shaped towers at the heads of canyons are the most visible remains that mark the location of once-thriving communities. Though these structures have seen no human inhabitants in more than 700 years, they are still impressive.
The presence, today, of tall towers, tumbled piles of shaped stone, remains of multi-room pueblos, small cliff dwellings, pottery shards, and rock art scattered over the canyon rims and slopes leaves little doubt that a sizable population once lived in this rugged, yet beautiful, high desert landscape. Many Pueblo structures and nearby tower walls are still standing, even after seven centuries of weathering. Some walls still reach more than 20 feet in height though much of the exterior mortar has long since disappeared. Many walls are now piles of rubble.
Visitors to Hovenweep National Monument are able to walk along quiet, primitive trails and wonder what these communities must have been like so long ago, when hundreds, or perhaps even thousands, of people lived on this plateau.
Hovenweep, in the Ute/Paiute languages, means "deserted valley."
See Monument News for current information. |
| Fees: |
Free. See Monument Fees and Reservations for more details. |
| Hours: |
Open year-round. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. See Monument Operating Hours and Seasons for more details. |
| Visitor Center: |
The Ranger Station is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed December 25. |
| Facilities: |
Ranger station with interpretive exhibits, trails, bookstore, picnic tables, restrooms, drinking water, and ruins. |
| Directions: |
- Paved roads lead from both Cortez, Colorado and Blanding, Utah. Some roadways in the area remain very rough and may be impassible in stormy weather.
- Visitors should inquire locally before traveling any non surfaced roadways.
- Get directions from Google Maps.
- Get directions from MapQuest.
- NPS Directions.
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| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates (NAD83): 37 23.015N; 109 04.334W. |
| Precautions: |
- Go in the spring or fall for best hiking.
- Bring insect repellent in late May when the biting pinyon gnats are out.
- Go before 10:00 a.m. in summer to avoid the heat.
- Avoid late-afternoon winter visits because of remote location and possible storms. Gravel roads may become impassable during and after storms.
- See Backcountry Considerations.
- See Backcountry Emergencies.
- NPS News Updates.
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