Page Updated: May 18, 2023
Hovenweep National Monument
Hovenweep Castle - Montezuma Creek UT
On the corner of “nowhere” and “where’s my cell signal,” there’s Hovenweep; a cluster of ancestral Puebloan ruins still standing along the rim of Little Ruin Canyon. There are a number of similar sites in the greater Four Corners area of the U.S., but we only visited this one – a tiny speck offshooting from the massive Canyons of the Ancient.
If you’re wondering how we heard of such a remote place; it was listed as one of five places on a tiny souvenir sticker and the only one of the five not on our radar. So, obviously it became a must see!
The ruins of Hovenweep were built between 1200-1300 AD, but the history of the area reaches back 10,000 years to the Paleoindian era. Toolmarks are still evident in the mortar, and the small rocks used as shims still remain. Looking down into the canyon, a few ruins balance on crooked sections of slipped canyon wall, while others remain on foundations that have remained solid.
Modern restoration of the structures in Hovenweep has been minimal. The high quality of craftsmanship has meant the buildings have only required supportive reinforcement to keep the structures from falling.
Visitors can view the ancestral Puebloan village by walking down an easy .2mile paved - yet graded - sidewalk from the visitors center to the Canyon Overlook. From here, one can see towers and structures across the small expanse of the canyon. Those wanting to see the ruins up close can explore the Hovenweep Ruins Trail; a 1.6mile moderate trail that takes hikers around the canyon and near numerous structures.
Hovenweep has a single campground open year-round with 31 sites. Sites are based on a first-come, first served basis and are designed for tent camping. Though, a few sites will accommodate RV’s 36ft or less.
Because of it’s remote location and primordial dark sky , Hovenweep was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2014. Stargazers take note that trails are open sunrise to sunset, and stargazing is allowed from the visitor center parking area and the campground only.
scenes from Hovenweep
-b&b
Squaw Flat - Big Springs Canyon Loop
Hovenweep Ruins Trail
