The visitor center at Hovenweep National Monument is open Sunday and Monday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Thursday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check for any updates due to staffing issues, as hours may vary.
The entrance fee at Hovenweep National Monument is $20 for a private vehicle, valid for 7 days, covering the driver and all passengers. For motorcycles, it’s $20 per vehicle, and for bicyclists or pedestrians, it’s $10 per person. Children under 16 are free. Annual passes and federal lands passes are also accepted. Camping fees are $20 per night, or $10 with a valid federal lands pass.
From Cortez, take Highway 491 south, then County Road G to McElmo Canyon, and follow the scenic route to uncover ancient Puebloan treasures nestled in a stark, natural beauty.
At Hovenweep National Monument, parking is available at the visitor center, with limited RV slots, including three pull-through spots. Larger RVs can park at the campground. Cars and motorcycles can park at the visitor center and campground. Overnight parking is allowed at the campground with a $7 fee.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Hovenweep National Monument, straddling the borders of southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah, is a realm of stark beauty and rich cultural heritage. This expansive monument, spanning 784 acres, is set on the Cajon Mesa of the Great Sage Plain, where shallow tributaries carve through deep canyons en route to the San Juan River.
Here, the remnants of six Ancestral Puebloan villages stand as testaments to a history that stretches back to hunter-gatherers from 8,000 to 6,000 B.C. and continued through early Puebloan cultures until the 14th century. The landscape is dotted with mysterious stone structures, including the enigmatic square and circular towers, D-shaped dwellings, and ceremonial kivas that dot the horizon.
Hikers can traverse the Little Ruin Loop, a 2-mile trail that encircles Square Tower Village, the most extensive of the six sites. The trail offers sweeping views of the desert landscape, punctuated by juniper and sagebrush. As night falls, Hovenweep transforms into an International Dark Sky Park, where ranger-led stargazing programs reveal the vivid tapestry of the Milky Way.
Visitors can explore the monument year-round, free of entrance fees, and can stay at the on-site campground. The visitor center, a hub of activity, offers campfire talks and ranger-guided hikes. Summer days are marked by intense sunlight and the threat of flash floods, while late spring and early summer bring biting gnats and the occasional sighting of black bears, rattlesnakes, and scorpions.
In the evenings, the isolation of the monument is a blessing, allowing for unobstructed stargazing. For those seeking a deeper connection with the land, Hovenweep is a place where the ancient and the natural blend seamlessly, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its unique and breathtaking landscape.
- Area (mi²)
- 1.2
- Annual visitors
- 35 000
- Established year
- 1923
Top 3 Facts about Hovenweep National Monument
The site was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2014, recognizing its exceptionally dark skies, with some areas reaching a Bortle Class 2, indicating minimal light pollution. This designation highlights the area’s pristine nighttime environment.
In this arid yet vibrant landscape, over 325 plant species thrive, including shrubland, mixed sage and juniper woodland, and pinyon-juniper forest. The fauna is equally diverse, with 10 species of bats, 13 species of rodents, 11 species of lizards, and 10 species of snakes. Here, 90 bird species flourish, taking advantage of wetter microhabitats like stream beds and springs. As night falls, the canyon walls radiate heat, ideal for bats to fly and forage, while coyotes’ haunting calls echo through the darkness. This unique ecosystem, enriched by abundant sunlight and adaptive wildlife, offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts.
Surrounded by the arid landscapes of southeast Utah, this ancient site is set amidst rugged terrain where rocky outcroppings rise dramatically, providing natural defense for the Ancestral Puebloan structures. The area’s unique masonry core and veneer technique stands testament to the builders’ skill, with some structures built on irregular boulders still standing after over 700 years. The harsh yet beautiful environment is characterized by extreme temperatures and sparse vegetation, underscoring the ingenuity of the people who once called this land home.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Living History & Cultural Demos
- Night Sky & Astronomy
- Arts & Crafts
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan a few days to explore, especially during the summer solstice for the Holly Sun Panel event. Pack meals, bring high-clearance vehicles for rugged roads, and rest often on rocky trails. Visit the visitor center first for directions and safety tips. Anticipate limited services and intense sunlight.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for shifting desert temperatures, ample water, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and a map. Bring a cooler with food and a portable charger for extended stays. Check the weather forecast to adjust your gear accordingly.
Respect Wildlife
Respect the desert habitat by staying on trails, avoiding disturbance of burrowing rodents and roosting bats, and keeping a safe distance from wildlife, especially during harsh daytime heat. Leave no trace to preserve this unique ecosystem.
Stay Informed
Carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Be cautious of cliffs, lightning, and flash floods. Check weather forecasts and park rules. For emergencies, call park authorities.
Seasons
Experience spring’s mild temperatures (50s-70s°F) and vibrant wildflowers from March to May. Enjoy ranger-led hikes and stargazing programs under clear skies, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Moderate weather makes it an ideal time to explore ancient ruins and scenic trails.
Experience summer’s scorching highs over 100°F and dry conditions from June to August. Enjoy ranger-led stargazing programs under dark skies, but beware of biting gnats in early June and intense sunlight. Ideal for adventurous souls seeking solitude and ancient Puebloan structures.[@
Visit in fall, September to October, for mild temperatures (60s-70s°F) and wildflower blooms. Enjoy ranger-led stargazing programs under dark skies, ideal for clear autumn nights. Moderate weather makes it a perfect time to hike and explore ancient structures.
Visit from December to February for a serene winter wonderland with temperatures ranging from 0-50°F. Though services are reduced, the untouched landscape and star-filled nights offer a unique, isolated experience. Be prepared for cold and variable weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Hovenweep National Monument has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit Hovenweep National Monument, you should stay in nearby towns such as Monticello, Blanding, or Bluff in Utah, or Cortez in Colorado, as these are about 40-45 miles away, a one-hour drive. Hotels like Ute Mountain Casino Hotel in Towaoc, Colorado, and several options in Cortez are also convenient.
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Dogs are allowed on trails and in the campground as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They are not permitted inside buildings. Always clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly.
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You can park an RV, but only a few sites can accommodate motorhomes up to 36 feet. The campground is not suitable for larger RVs, and there are no hook-ups or dump stations available. Flush toilets and drinking water are available from May to November.
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The Mound City Group is a must-see spot, featuring a collection of large reconstructed burial mounds that date back over 2,000 years and are part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks World Heritage Inscription. This site also houses the Visitor Center and a museum with significant Hopewell artifacts and an interactive computer exhibit. The grounds are open daily from dawn until dusk.