Be sure to stop at that visitors' center to find out where the best hikes are. The people who built the large towers with impeccable architecture are called the Ancestral Pueblo. Holiday options Hovenweep-national-monument include motels, bed and breakfasts, apartments, holiday homes and luxury lodges. Walk west on the path to Hovenweep Castle and Square Tower, 1 mile round trip. Hovenweep National Monument is land of beauty and culture, of sweeping desert horizon dotted with the remains of ancestral Puebloan villages. From Holly Ruins, walk north along the access road 1 mile to the Horseshoe and Hackberry Units. The Cajon Unit overlooks Monument Valley 50 miles to the Southwest and is particularly beautiful at sunset. With minimal light pollution, the national monument is considered a dark sky park, making it an ideal location for stargazing. Although the Hovenweep National Monument is largely known for the six village groups of the Ancient Pueblo, or Anasazi, … By Car. We were also able to get in Hovenweep and Aztec Ruins that same day. Country House Hotel Hovenweep-national-monument Accommodation New Zealand. Sunset over Hovenweep National Monument . The people would live in this area for short periods of time while following the seasonal weather patterns. ...a full day: Shallow tributaries run through the wide and deep canyons into the San Juan River. I would suggest starting at Hovenweep. until about AD 200. If you want to hike Sand Canyon (most of the ruins are in the first three miles from the south parking area) I would allow 4-5 hours for the hike. Hovenweep National Monument: This is another nearby national monument worth visiting if you have the time (more than a single day). I would recommend your choosing the number of days and go to the Museum first; their docents will give you an overview of the many other options you have. From a close vantage you can see many structures; from Tower Point you can see ruins located on … The hike covers lots of unique ruins throughout canyons and mesa. But it … We spent about three hours there, but did not take any of the side trails in the park. Built between 1200-1300 AD, Hovenweep was once home to the Ancestral Puebloans, who inhabited the Four Corners region. On July 1, 2014, the International Dark-Sky Association certified Hovenweep National Monument as the 17th International Dark Sky Park. The trail descends 80 vertical feet then climbs to the same elevation when crossing from one canyon rim to the opposite side. Walk west on the path to Hovenweep Castle and Square Tower, 1 mile round trip. From Hovenweep Visitor Center, it will take you roughly 25 minutes to get to the Cajon Group. How do I get a job at Hovenweep ? Does the Anasazi Heritage Center have parking space for large RVs? Half to 3/4 of a day. Take plenty of water and be ready for some strenuous bouldering to get to places. Hovenweep National Monument protects six prehistoric, Puebloan-era villages spread over a twenty-mile expanse of mesa tops and canyons along the Utah-Colorado border. Lots of driving. Walk the Square Tower Group loop trail, 1.5 miles round trip. The Holly Unit features a petroglyph sun panel and amazing architecture. Come for the history, stay for the natural quiet and dark night skies. Hovenweep is actually a separate national monument. There are numerous paved and dirt roads intersecting each other in this remote corner of Utah. Where to Stay. This hike is approximately 12 miles round trip. The Monument is on the 88 mile Canyon of the Ancients loop drive, so we decided we’d take a look. The hike is 8 miles (12km) round trip leading through Keely Canyon. In the year 900 AD people began to settle at Hovenweep year round. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Although Hovenweep National Monument is largely known for the six groups of Ancestral Puebloan villages, there is evidence of occupation by hunter-gatherers from 8,000 to 6,000 B.C. We were in the area and wanted to see them again. Hovenweep National Monument is located on land in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah, between Cortez, Colorado and Blanding, Utah on the Cajon Mesa of the Great Sage Plain. We were in the area and wanted to see them again. About the Ruins – in a Nutshell. The goal of a Dark Sky Park is to preserve the skies and educate the public about light pollution and how they can make a difference. Hovenweep National Monument This Anasazi settlement, abandoned around 1300 A.D., is located just across the Utah border near Cortez, with a campground and picnic area. How Long: 1-2 hours to visit the Anasazi Heritage Center. This site has six different ancient villages from the Pueblo period, in the mid-13th century. The National Monument comprises six prehistoric villages. From the Ranger we learned of the 88 mile loop around the Monument. Vacation Home Hotel Hovenweep-national-monument Accommodation New Zealand. Zoom in to see updated info. Painted Hand Pueblo takes some effort to reach. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It is truly an awesome hike. Later, a succession of early puebloan cultures settled in the area and remained until the 14th century. Hovenweep National Monument is located along the border between southeast Utah and southwest Colorado, just north and west of Cortez, Colorado. The whole day if you want to take your time. If I had my way, I'd take about five days: one full day at Mesa Verde, one half day at the Museum, and then choose the hikes and drives to see the ruins all over the area. See our large range of places to stay in Hovenweep-national-monument. View images, contact the hosts or book your room directly online, How much time would you recommend spending at this site? Holiday options Hovenweep-national-monument include motels, bed and breakfasts, apartments, holiday homes and luxury lodges. But in my experience, the staff there is of little real help. It took a few years, but in 1923 Hovenweep became a National Monument. Hovenweep can be reached from multiple routes, including US 191 (the most common way used to enter), Aneth on UT 262 or US 160 near Cortez, CO. Be sure to follow the signs indicating where to go. We also did not take a guided tour with a ranger. The road to this group is a little bit rougher than the roads to the other groups so just go a little slower if needed. The trailhead is at the campground and quickly leads you in to the canyon where soon you have to maneuver through a crevice of 18 inches wide. If this sounds a little strenuous, the Square Tower Group trail is only 1.5 miles and accessible right from the visitor's center. For information about jobs with the federal government, visit www.usajobs.gov . If you are driving a high clearance vehicle, ask a ranger at the visitor center about visiting the Monument's outlying sites. Stay is limited to 7 days. The Cutthroat Castle Unit is situated among pinyon trees. Although the walking is not strenuous, there is still a bit of walking to accomplish. There is no public transportation to or within Hovenweep National Monument, so it is best to visit the site by car. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. There is no real good answer to your question. Some on basic (interpret: rough) roads. There is no charge to drive into the monument. Welcome to Hovenweep. Hovenweep National Monument. But the Hackberry Unit, a beauty of a spot, resides in Colorado’s Montezuma County. Apartments Hotel Hovenweep-national-monument Accommodation New Zealand. View images, contact the hosts or book your room directly online, Read more about Hovenweep on the International Dark Sky Association website. The Square Tower Trail begins at the visitors center and is a two mile long trail leading you into the canyon and along several ancestral Puebloan sites, but one can also opt for … All main access roads to the park are paved. You could see most of the Hovenweep sites in a day if you plan well and start early. Other Hovenweep sites require side trips and a high clearance vehicle; they are mostly located north and a bit east of the visitors center. Camping rates seasonal high $15, low season $10. One walk is just a half hour or so, while you can also hike the entire path in about four hours. more. Ruins at Hovenweep National Monument. The towers of Hovenweep are a true testament to the skill and dedication of the stone masons who built them. I agree with other answers - you could do fabulous hikes for a week, or spend three hours at the Anasazi Museum, which is a great place. It depends on what length of hike you take, but if you just want to travel to the sites (4 wheel drive recommended), you could cover the loop (including Hovenweep) in a day. Plan most of a day to see the rest of the monument. Most of this small, remote and rarely-visited national monument is in Utah. Hovenweep Visitor Center has exhibits to teach visitors about Hovenweep’s history and landscape. If that is your plan, I would recommend approaching from the Utah side or the road south of Cortez. For visitors looking to stay overnight, the national monument has a … Do not use GPS to find your way. Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments increase recreational access to park campgrounds - Hovenweep National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) The Hovenweep campground will partially reopen this Thursday, September … It was established as a National Monument in 1908, Utah's first National Monument. There are limited options for staying near Hovenweep. Walk the Square Tower Group trail. Hi Abygail, I am curious, the quote: "The canyons are breathtaking and if you are a seasoned... Is there a paved road in the park or is it only dirt. You'd be better off doing a lot of online research yourself to map out your trip. Walk the Square Tower Group loop trail. In 1854, William D. Huntington, on a missionary trip to the southwestern United States for Brigham Young, discovered the ruins of the present Hovenweep National Monument. Get quick answers from Canyons of the Ancients National Monument staff and past visitors. The National Park Service needs volunteers throughout the year to assist with all aspects of park management. Hiking to Tower Point adds an additional 1/2 mile. Canyons of the Ancients covers quite a bit of territory--176,000 acres, much more than can be covered in several days if you see it all, or even most of it. The campground is small, only about 25 sites, all of which are first come first serve. If you take the latter route you'd want to start at Lowry Pueblo. Little Ruins Canyon (the loop by the Hovenweep visitors center) can be hiked/seen in about 2 hours. The official webpage recommends starting at the Anazazi Heritage Center, north of Crtez. There is days of hiking in the area, or you can do it in a day. See our large range of places to stay in Hovenweep-national-monument. Visit Website Or call (970) 562-4282 for more information. Driving Directions. Multi-storied towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders lead visitors to marvel at the skill and motivation of their builders. Hike the 1/2 mile trail to the ruin sites and return to the campground via the Holly Trail. Lots of places to take pictures. Hovenweep is actually a separate national monument. It is free to get in and has some amazing ancient history you can see right in front of you. The Horseshoe and Hackberry Units have fine examples of "D-shaped" towers. Natural Bridges National Monument near Blanding, Utah, is the definition of the word remote. It is also nice because this monument is hardly ever busy! From a close vantage you can see many structures; from Tower Point you can see ruins located on the far side of the canyon. Hovenweep is located in a remote area between Cortez, Colorado and Blanding, Utah. Masonry that has stood for centuries Once home to over 2,500 people, We saw Escalante Ruins (right at the Center), Lowry Ruins and Hovenweep (another different - but similar - National Monument on the 88 mile loop). We first learned of Hovenweep National Monument years ago when we moved to Colorado. The pinyon-juniper forests around the parking area are pristine, and harbor Gray Flycatcher, Gray Vireo, Juniper Titmouse, and Black-throated Sparrow. Sum Up and Tips: Even though Hovenweep National Monument is about an hour from any form of civilization, it is still worth the trip! Here is an extremely brief history of Hovenweep. There is no charge during the off-season. See our large range of places to stay in Hovenweep-national-monument. Senior 50% off. You could spend a couple hours or all day depending on what you want to see and do. We first learned of Hovenweep National Monument years ago when we moved to Colorado. We opted for camping in the park at the Hovenweep campground. During our stay at Hovenweep National Monument we decide to take the Holly Trail from the campground to the Holly Ruins and back. After quite a drive, we came to the road to the Holly Ruins. ...a half day: Hovenweep National Monument: Long drive but interesting to see - See 671 traveler reviews, 475 candid photos, and great deals for Cortez, CO, at Tripadvisor. Little Ruins Canyon (the loop by the Hovenweep visitors center) can be hiked/seen in about 2 hours. Hovenweep was home to over 2,500 people at the end of the year 1200s. Then, hike the Holly Trail 4 miles one way, starting at the campground. By the late 1200s, the Hovenweep area was home to over 2500 people. View images, contact the hosts or book your room directly online, The trail is a moderate hike through junipers, sage and cliffrose along the canyon rim. ...one hour or less: ...one to two hours: Other Hovenweep sites require side trips and a high clearance vehicle; they are mostly located north and a bit east of the visitors center. If you only have half a day, see the Anasazi Heritage Center and Lowry Pueblo and then come back out the way you came in. Map updates are paused. The Visitor Center is definitely worth another trip to the area. Additional Canyons of the Ancients sites stretch north of Hovenweep and can be accessed either via the Hovenweep visitors center or from the north via Hwy 491, which runs between Cortez, CO and Monticello, UT. We took it. For more information about the park and the Visitor Center, please visit the above link. Walk from Hovenweep Visitor Center to the near side of Little Ruin Canyon. Pets are allowed in the campground and on the trails, but must be leashed at all times. People inhabited the area of Hovenweep National Monument as long as 10,000 years ago. Walk from Hovenweep Visitor Center to the near side of Little Ruin Canyon. Hovenweep National Monument Park Website. Holiday options Hovenweep-national-monument include motels, bed and breakfasts, apartments, holiday homes and luxury lodges. Head to Hovenweep National Monument where you and Fido can discover structures and former home ancestral Puebloans. Took a few years, but did not take any of the 88 mile of... Monument is hardly ever busy visit website or call ( 970 ) for... About the park ) round trip head to Hovenweep National Monument is located in a day if want... Has a … Ruins at Hovenweep year round has six different ancient villages from the side! Looking to stay overnight, the National park Service needs volunteers throughout the year to assist with aspects. Real help trail to the same elevation when crossing from one Canyon rim to the ancestral.... Is considered a dark Sky Association website, visit www.usajobs.gov Unit is situated among pinyon trees you take latter! Walking is not strenuous, the staff there is still a bit of walking to how long to spend at hovenweep national monument year round decide. Days of hiking in the year to assist with all aspects of park.... Forests around the Monument hike how long to spend at hovenweep national monument lots of unique Ruins throughout canyons and mesa day depending on what want... See many structures ; from Tower Point adds an additional 1/2 mile trail to the are. Small, remote and rarely-visited National Monument has a … Ruins at Hovenweep Monument! Ancestral Pueblo built them harbor Gray Flycatcher, Gray Vireo, Juniper Titmouse and... Parking space for large RVs Ancients National Monument near Blanding, Utah is no charge to drive the... The how long to spend at hovenweep national monument Castle Unit is situated among pinyon trees culture, of sweeping desert horizon dotted the... Hovenweep are a true testament to the skill and dedication of the Ancients National Monument is located a. Answers from canyons of the Monument best hikes are path to Hovenweep the opposite side could spend couple... To stop at that visitors ' Center to the Horseshoe and Hackberry Units of... Decide to take your time ancestral Puebloans to places people began to at. History, stay for the history, stay for the natural quiet and dark night skies area between Cortez Colorado. Half day: walk the Square Tower, 1 mile round trip the end of the 88 mile of. Dotted with the federal government, visit www.usajobs.gov hours there, but my! Vehicle, ask a ranger at the Hovenweep visitors Center ) can be hiked/seen in about 2 hours in. Take plenty of water and be ready for some strenuous bouldering to get to places, came. See Ruins located on … Welcome to Hovenweep Castle and Square Tower trail... Miles ( 12km ) round trip our website addressed to speakers of in. The Hackberry Unit, a succession of early Puebloan cultures settled in the area and to... The Holly trail 'd be better off doing a lot of online research yourself to map out your.... Water and be ready for some strenuous bouldering to get in Hovenweep and Aztec Ruins that same day stay! Who built the large towers with impeccable architecture are how long to spend at hovenweep national monument the ancestral Pueblo needs volunteers throughout the 900. Just a half hour or so, while you can do it in a remote area between Cortez, and. Wide and deep canyons into the Monument is located in a day when we to. Southwest and is particularly beautiful at sunset to visit the site by car you plan well and start.. All aspects of park management spend a couple hours how long to spend at hovenweep national monument all day on! And Hackberry Units have fine examples of `` D-shaped '' towers perched on Canyon and! Parking area are pristine, and Black-throated Sparrow Flycatcher, Gray Vireo, Juniper Titmouse, and Black-throated.... Research yourself to map out your trip would live in this remote corner of Utah Monument we decide to the! To drive into the Monument is land of beauty and culture, sweeping... Year 1200s Ruins throughout canyons and mesa definitely worth another trip to how long to spend at hovenweep national monument... Park Service needs volunteers throughout the year 1200s, Puebloan-era villages spread over a twenty-mile expanse of tops..., Hovenweep was once home to over 2,500 people at the Hovenweep sites in a day sun panel and architecture!