Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument is a captivating site located on the border between Utah and Colorado in the southwestern United States. The monument preserves six ancient Puebloan villages and their impressive architecture, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the ancestral Puebloans.

Situated in a remote and rugged area, Hovenweep National Monument spans over 20 square miles and is known for its striking multi-story towers and rock structures built by the ancestral Puebloans between the 13th and 14th centuries. These structures, carefully constructed from sandstone blocks, stand testament to the skilled craftsmanship and engineering prowess of the ancient inhabitants of the region.

Exploring Hovenweep, visitors can embark on several hiking trails that bring them close to the fascinating ancient structures and the people who lived there centuries ago. The Square Tower Group is one of the main attractions, consisting of a collection of tall towers perched on the edge of a canyon. The Hovenweep Castle, Cutthroat Castle, and Holly Canyon are other notable areas where visitors can discover more remnants of the past.

In addition to its historical significance, Hovenweep National Monument provides an opportunity to experience and appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The rugged canyons, arid high-desert environment, and breathtaking vistas offer a picturesque backdrop for exploration.

While Hovenweep National Monument is a remote destination, there are several attractions nearby that visitors can explore. Mesa Verde National Park lies approximately 30 miles to the southwest, offering a chance to delve further into the ancient Puebloan culture. Natural wonders like the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Four Corners Monument, where four states intersect, are also within driving distance, providing additional opportunities for adventure and discovery.

Overall, Hovenweep National Monument stands as a captivating testament to the ingenuity and history of the ancestral Puebloan people. Its unique blend of ancient architecture and stunning natural surroundings make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Hovenweep National Monument is nestled within the arid landscapes of southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah. This captivating monument spans across both states, encompassing the remote regions of Montezuma County in Colorado and San Juan County in Utah. The monument is largely situated on the northeastern edge of the Colorado Plateau, characterized by its rugged terrain, deep canyons, and stunning mesas. Hovenweep's unique geographical placement amidst the Four Corners area, where the borders of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona meet, allows visitors to witness the seamless blend of diverse landscapes, ranging from desert grasslands to high desert plateaus. The monument's isolated location offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, seemingly transported back in time to the ancient structures and archaeological sites of the ancestral Puebloan people.

Address & Contact

Along the border between southeast Utah and southwest Colorado
Just north and west of Cortez, CO
Cortez, CO 81321
Driving Directions
Phone: 9705624282
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Hovenweep National Monument would be in either April or May, when the average maximum temperatures range from 69°F to 78°F and the average monthly precipitation is around 0.6 to 1.1 inches. During these months, the weather is mild and favorable for outdoor activities.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Hovenweep National Monument are: Astronomy Stargazing Junior Ranger Program Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Camping Hiking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Hovenweep National Monument: Animals Archeology Native American Heritage Cliff Dwellings

Visitor Centers

Hovenweep Visitor Center

You can visit Hovenweep even when the visitor center is closed. When it is open, rangers or volunteers can answer questions and sell bookstore items. Restrooms and exterior exhibits are available 24/7.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Hovenweep Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep Campground

A 31-site campground near the visitor center is open year-round and fully reservable through Recreation.gov. The campground is designed for tent camping, though a few sites will accommodate RVs up to 36 feet long. Groups are limited to eight people and two vehicles. Sites include tent pads, fire rings and picnic tables with shade structures; there are no hookups available. One campsite is wheelchair-accessible but is not designed for tent camping.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 10.00 (Senior/ Access Rate)
Total Campsites: 31
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Hovenweep National Monument

Rodeway Inn & Suites

A stay at Rodeway Inn & Suites places you in the heart of Blanding, within a 5-minute walk of Dinosaur Museum and Blue Mountain Hospital. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 711 S Main St, Blanding, Utah 84511
Web: Link

Kelly Place Bed & Breakfast

Located in Cortez, Kelly Place Bed & Breakfast is in a rural location, a 4-minute drive from Sutcliffe Vineyards and 11 minutes from Guy Drew Winery. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 14537 Road G, Cortez, Colorado 81321
Web: Link

American Holiday Mesa Verde Inn

Located in Cortez, American Holiday Mesa Verde Inn is in a national park, within a 5-minute drive of Cortez Cultural Center and Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 640 S Broadway, Cortez, Colorado 81321
Web: Link

National 9 Inn Sand Canyon

A stay at National 9 Inn Sand Canyon places you in the heart of Cortez, within a 5-minute drive of Cortez Cultural Center and Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 301 W Main St, Cortez, Colorado 81321
Web: Link

Cortez Cozy Inn

Located in Cortez, Cortez Cozy Inn is a 3-minute drive from Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez and 9 minutes from Guy Drew Winery. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities.
Address: 440 South Broadway, Cortez, Colorado 81321
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Blanding

With a stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Blanding in Blanding, you'll be a 5-minute walk from Dinosaur Museum and 6 minutes by foot from Blue Mountain Hospital. Featured amenities include a computer station, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 755 South Main Street, Blanding, Utah 84511
Web: Link

Tomahawk Motel

With a stay at Tomahawk Motel in Cortez, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Cortez Cultural Center and Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez.
Address: 728 S BROADWAY, Cortez, Colorado 81321
Web: Link

Ute Mountain Casino Hotel

Located in Towaoc, Ute Mountain Casino Hotel is a 1-minute drive from Ute Mountain Casino and 9 minutes from Ute Mountain Tribal Park Visitor Center. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, ATM/banking services, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3 Weeminuche Dr, Towaoc, Colorado 81334
Web: Link

Mustang Mesa Amazing Views

With a stay at this vacation home in Blanding, you'll be 12.2 mi (19.7 km) from Manti-La Sal National Forest and 13.6 mi (22 km) from Cedar Mesa Pottery. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1 Mustang Mesa, Blanding, Utah 84511
Web: Link

White Eagle Inn & Vacation Rental

Located in Cortez, White Eagle Inn & Vacation Rental is a 5-minute drive from Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez and 7 minutes from Guy Drew Winery. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2110 S Broadway, Cortez, Colorado 81321
Web: Link