Hovenweep National Monument

a stone structure at night with the Milky Way arcing overhead
Hovenweep National Monument was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2014.
a bright red cactus flower
Claretcup Cactus is a common plant at Hovenweep National Monument
a stone structure resting on a cliff edge
Stronghole House is one of several structures at the Square Tower Group
a stone structure with blue sky and clouds overhead
The Cajon Unit is one of several outlying units at Hovenweep National Monument.
a green lizard with yellow head, yellow spots and black collar
Collard lizards are one of many species that call Hovenweep home.
remains of a stone structure with wood beams on the edge of a canyon
The Holly Group is one of Hovenweep's outlying sites, but worth the drive or hike.
Photos: National Park Service

About Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep preserves six prehistoric sites built between 1200 and 1300 CE which may have served as ceremonial centers. Explore a variety of structures, including multistory towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders. The construction and attention to detail will leave you marveling at the skill and motivation of the builders.

Quick Facts

State Colorado
Designation National Monument
State Code CO,UT
Weather Hovenweep is part of the Colorado Plateau, a "high desert" region that experiences wide temperature fluctuations, sometimes over 40 degrees in a single day. The temperate (and most popular) seasons…

Location & Map

Hovenweep National Monument is located in Colorado.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle $20.00

Entry fee is valid for 7 days and grants entry for driver and passengers in one private vehicle. Does not cover camping costs.

Entrance - Motorcycle $15.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Entrance - Per Person $10.00

Admits one individual with no car. This fee type is typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Entry fee is valid for 7 days.

Operating Hours

Hovenweep National Monument is typically open year-round. Park trails are open only sunrise to sunset.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Astronomy Stargazing Camping Hiking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

Do not use GPS to find your way. There are numerous paved and dirt roads intersecting each other in this remote corner of Utah. The Hovenweep Visitor Center is located 40-45 miles from Cortez, Colorado, and Blanding and Bluff, Utah. Follow driving directions on our webpage.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address Along the border between southeast Utah and southwest Colorado, Cortez, CO, 81321
Phone 9705624282

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park $55.00

Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one (1) private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder to Arches and Canyonlands national parks, and Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments. U.S. residents only.

Topics & Themes

Archeology Cliff Dwellings Native American Heritage Animals

Things To Do

Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah

Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah

Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. Learn about what to expect and check out…

Hike the Holly Trail

Hike the Holly Trail

The Holly Trail (8 miles, roundtrip) offers the chance to explore away from roads and busier trails and stretch your…

Hike the Square Tower Group Loop Trail

Hike the Square Tower Group Loop Trail

Explore the ancestral Pueblo world with a hike around the Square Tower Group. Follow the two-mile, primitive loop trail along…

Walk to the Square Tower Group Overlook

Walk to the Square Tower Group Overlook

Take a paved trail to this canyon overlook and see what Hovenweep has to offer! Sweeping views of sage country…

Visitor Centers

Hovenweep Visitor Center

You can visit Hovenweep even when the visitor center is closed. When it is open, rangers or volunteers can answer questions and sell bookstore items.…

Hours: The visitor center is daily if staffing allows. Hours may change depending on the season, staffing, and holidays.

Campgrounds

Hovenweep Campground

A 31-site campground near the visitor center is open year-round and fully reservable through Recreation.gov. The campground is designed for tent camping, though a few…

31 Sites

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