Hovenweep Visitor Center - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Hovenweep National Monument is a beautiful place to visit, with plenty of things to see and do. The first thing to do when you arrive is to take in the stunning scenery. The ancient ruins are set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and red-rock formations, and the Colorado River winds its way through the monument. There are several trails to explore, ranging from easy hikes to more challenging treks. For those who want to learn more about the history of the area, there are ranger-led tours of the ruins. And be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife! Hovenweep is home to a variety of animals, including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. 

Hovenweep National Monument was established in 1923 to protect the remains of six Ancestral Puebloan villages. The villages are spread out over a 20-mile stretch of canyonlands on the Utah-Colorado border. The name Hovenweep comes from a Ute word meaning "deserted valley," and indeed, the area was largely uninhabited when the first European settlers arrived in the late 19th century. However, the ruins of the ancient villages attest to the fact that this was once a thriving community. The people who lived here built their homes into the canyon walls and used the natural landscape to their advantage. They constructed dams and irrigation canals to bring water to their fields, and they gathered plant life and hunted game to sustain themselves. The Hovenweep villagers were a self-sufficient people, and they left behind a fascinating history. The National Monument is open to visitors year-round, and it is a beautiful place to explore the fascinating history of the Ancestral Puebloans.

The best time to visit Hovenweep National Monument is in the spring or fall. The weather is moderate during these seasons, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the ruins. In addition, the crowds are usually smaller during these times of year, so you can enjoy the monument at a more leisurely pace. 

1. Plan your visit in advance. Hovenweep National Monument is a remote site, so it's important to plan your trip carefully. Be sure to check theweather forecast and pack appropriate clothing and supplies.
2. Stop at the visitor center. The visitor center is your best resource for information about the monument and its history. Be sure to pick up a map and guidebook before beginning your exploration.
3. Stay on designated trails and roads. Help protect the fragile desert ecosystem by staying on designated trails and roads at all times.
4. Do not bring food into the ruins, as it attracts pests.
5. Leave your pets at home, as they are not allowed in the monument.
6. Purchase a permit if you plan on doing any backcountry camping.
7.  Make sure to bring plenty of water, as there is no potable water available at the monument.
    

1. Hovenweep is home to six Hopi and Pueblo villages that were built between 1200 and 1300 AD.
2. Hovenweep became a National Monument in 1923 and is administered by the National Park Service.
3. The monuments covers an area of more than 20,000 acres.
4. The most well-known village at Hovenweep is Square Tower Group, which features four towers that were built using large blocks of sandstone and Archeologists believe that the towers were used for defensive purposes, as they provided an excellent vantage point for spotting enemy approach.
5. Another interesting village at Hovenweep is known asCutthroat Castle, which gets its name from a group of petroglyphs depicting three cutthroats who appear to be attacking a fourth person.
6. The Ancestral Puebloans began to abandon Hovenweep around 1300 CE for reasons that are not entirely clear. One theory is that they left because of drought conditions. Another possibility is that they left because of conflict with neighboring groups. 
    

However, most visitors will need two or three days to fully experience everything that Hovenweep has to offer. 

Hovenweep can be reached by car or RV via Highway 191, which runs through the monument’s namesake town of Monticello, Utah. From Monticello, it’s a scenic two-hour drive to Hovenweep via unpaved roads. The monument is also accessible by foot, horseback, or bike; however, due to the remote location and lack of services, these options are best suited for experienced adventurers.

There is an entrance fee of $7 per person. Children under the age of 16 are free. Annual passes are also available for $35. 

The monument is open year-round, and visiting hours vary depending on the season. In the summer, the monument is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and in the winter, it is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.