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.
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.
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.
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.