Hovenweep National Monument: Archaeology in Southwest Colorado

Hovenweep National Monument
in Mesa Verde Country^®

Hovenweep, a Ute Indian word meaning "deserted valley," was established as a National Monument on March 2, 1923. Hovenweep is located on the Colorado/Utah border, just an hour west of Cortez.

The Square Tower site serves as headquarters for visiting the six Ancestral Puebloan sites located within the monument. These sites were erected around 1200 A.D. in the Hovenweep canyons, and are characterized by their unique square, oval, circular, and D-shaped towers.

The Square Tower Site is easily accessible, reaching the other sites requires driving along bumpy roads and some hiking. Hovenweep is an ideal destination for visitors looking for a peaceful walk through pinon and juniper en route to remote archaeological sites.

VISITING HOVENWEEP

Hovenweep may be reached on a paved road through McElmo Canyon or on dirt roads by way of Pleasant View. Check on road conditions, as heavy rains or snow can make the Pleasant View route impassable.

Services in the Square Tower complex include restrooms and water. A campground is also located at the Square Tower group. Be sure to pack a lunch and fill the gas tank before taking off for Hovenweep. A Ranger station is located at Square Tower and an entrance fee is charged. The fee is good for seven days. For updated information on Hovenweep, visit their website. Plan to spend a full day exploring the spectacular sites at Hovenweep.

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