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 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.") These ruins warrant
a look if such things interest you.
Hovenweep is located in a remote area along the Colorado border
in the southeast corner of Utah. It is 45 miles southeast of Blanding and 35 miles northeast of Bluff. To plan your route by car or RV, select
Utah Map,
Southeast Utah
Map or Hovenweep Area Map.
There is no convenient plane, train or bus service in the area.
Presented below is information on:
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Exploring
the Park
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Camping/Lodging/Dining
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Other
Information
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There is a Park Entrance Fee of
$6 that is good for 7 days.
There are six different groups of
ruins. The Tower group is located near the visitor center and
is the most impressive group. Several short trails take you to
the various sites in the Tower Group. Four other groups of ruins
-- Holly, Hackberry Canyon, Cutthroat Castle and Cajon -- are
scattered nearby and are worth visiting if you have a keen interest
in such things. The 6th group of ruins at Goodman Point is not
much more than mounds of dirt.
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A map and other
information about the ruins can be obtained from
the ranger at the visitor center. You might
consider making a mountain bike trip of it, riding
through mostly flat, open desert anywhere from 15
to 40 miles between the ruins.
There are picnic
tables near the entrance ranger station.
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There are no lodging or dining facilities
at Hovenweep. Blanding (45 miles northwest) and Bluff (35 miles southwest) are your nearest
options.
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The Hovenweep campground has
reopened. 30 sites; no hookups; restrooms; open year round; first-come, first-serve;
$10 per night.
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The entrance ranger station is open
year round, 8 to 4:30, though the ranger is sometimes out on patrol.
There is a $6 admission fee and the ruins can be viewed anytime.
Like most destinations in southern Utah, spring and fall are best
times to go as temperatures are moderate. For more information,
contact:
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Superintendent
Hovenweep National Monument
McElmo Route
Cortez, CO 81321
970-749-0510 (cell phone) or 970-529-4461 (message
service)
Email: Art_Hutchinson@NPS.GOV
(Mesa Verde personnel manage the monument.)
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