Around 1200 A.D. the Anasazi Indians established six communities in the area that is now Hovenweep National Monument. A severe drought that commenced in 1274 likely caused their desertion of the area shortly thereafter. Left are remnants of the impressive masonry buildings they constructed during their stay. (Hovenweep is a Ute word meaning "deserted valley.")
Short trails take the visitor to each of the six communities, the largest and most prominent of which is the "Square Tower Group," which consists of 30 kivas and probably once housed over 300 people. Hovenweep National Monument is a truly lonely place, removed from modern civilization, but Blanding is not too far away ? 39 miles. Part of Hovenweep is in Colorado and the city of Cortez is close to that portion.
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