Hovenweep National Monument

Things To Do Near Hovenweep National Monument

Bring sturdy shoes and a hat on your trip to Hovenweep National Monument; most of the ruins require you to hike. The trails, with the exception of the Square Tower Group paths, are located down bumpy roads. Ask in the visitor center about road conditions before attempting the drive. A small selection of restaurants and shopping options sit within an hour's drive of the park, making a great stop on your way to or from the ruins.

Hiking Trails

• Little Ruin Rim Trail Loop

  If you don't have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, the most convenient hiking trail in Hovenweep National Monument is the Little Ruin Rim Trail Loop. The path starts at the visitor center and travels through the Square Tower Group along the rim of Little Ruin Canyon. On the 1.5-mile route, you'll see the famous Hovenweep Castle, the Square Tower, Hovenweep House, and more. The views are excellent, but the shade is limited, so pack plenty of water.

  Location

  Visitor Center

  Length

  1.5 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Easy to Moderate

• Cutthroat Castle Trail

  The Cutthroat Castle Trail takes you to the Cutthroat Castle structure, which is unique in that it features an incorporated kiva rather than a separate one. The trail starts out in a narrow opening through a field of boulders before crossing an open plane and crossing a section of slickrock. As you hike, look west to see the rock formations of the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. If you prefer a shorter hike, take the 0.14-mile trail to Cutthroat Castle from the lower trailhead.

  Location

  Upper trailhead

  Length

  1.34 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Horseshoe and Hackberry Trail

  Explore a variety of desert environments on the Horseshoe and Hackberry Trail. From the trailhead, you'll climb up to the top of the mesa before crossing slickrock and walking through a wash. This route offers beautiful views of the canyon as it takes you to the beautiful Horseshoe House and on to the Hackberry ruin.

  Location

  Horseshoe and Hackberry parking area

  Length

  1.44 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Square Tower Group

  If you're interested in seeing the ruins at Hovenweep but you don't have time for a long hike, the Square Tower Group is your best bet. This is the only group that you can visit via a paved road; you will need to walk to the overlooks. Here, you can see almost 30 different structures scattered in and around Little Ruin Canyon. Among the most remarkable is the Square Tower itself, which stands three stories tall. For a fast visit, park at the visitor center, and take the paved path out to the Stronghold House overlook. It's about 300 yards one way and is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. From there, you can continue around the unpaved Rim Trail to see more of the ruins.

  Location

  Visitor Center

• Holly Group

  Holly Group is another of the most accessible collections of ruins in Hovenweep National Monument. You'll need a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle to drive the 4 miles from the visitor center; the National Park Service recommends that you check in with the rangers in the visitor center to find out about road conditions as they can change rapidly. From the parking area, a 0.22-mile path takes you around the ruins. Keep an eye out for the Tilted Tower and the Holly Tower, which is built on a boulder inside Keeley Canyon. This is a great spot to see the unique architecture of the Hovenweep structures — if you look closely, you can see where Ancestral Puebloan builders created steps and space for scaffolding.

  Location

  Holly parking area

Museums

• Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum

  Located about 45 miles from Hovenweep National Monument, the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum offers an introduction to the Ancestral Pueblo people. Check out the large collection of ancient pottery, walk through a recreated village, and climb down into a kiva that's more than 1,000 years old.

  Location

  660 W. 400 N., Blanding, UT 84511

• The Dinosaur Museum

  If you're passing through Blanding, take an hour to explore The Dinosaur Museum. Dedicated entirely to dinosaurs, this is a popular stop for kids and adults. Examine fossils from around the world; make a point to find the fossilized dinosaur skin and eggs. The museum also features a selection of skeletons and artistic statues to help you imagine what the dinosaurs looked like as they wandered around the local area.

  Location

  754 S. 200 W., Blanding, UT 84511

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Cow Canyon Trading Post

  You'll know Cow Canyon Trading Post immediately by the vintage car that's parked out front. Inside, shop for locally made art and souvenirs. If you need to stretch your legs, it's worth walking around outside to check out the enormous red-rock formations that rise across the street.

  Location

  163 Mission Road, Bluff, UT 84512

• Thin Bear Indian Arts

  Pick up a piece of locally made Native American artwork at Thin Bear Indian Arts. Located between Hovenweep National Monument and Blanding, this shop offers everything from pottery to turquoise jewelry.

  Location

  1944 S. Main St., Blanding, UT 84511

• Twin Rocks Café

  Enjoy a big salad with a side of fry bread at Twin Rocks Café, which serves classic diner foods with a view of the red rocks. Try the Navajo tacos, and end your meal with the prickly pear panna cotta.

  Location

  913 E. Navajo Twins Dr., Bluff, UT 84512

• Pop's Burritos

  Pop's Burritos is a legend in Blanding; this locally owned build-your-own burrito joint is known for its huge portions and delicious flavors. Choose from a range of toppings to create a burrito, bowl, or salad.

  Location

  148 S. Main St., Blanding, UT 84511

How To Get To Hovenweep National Monument

The National Park Service advises you not to use your GPS to reach Hovenweep National Monument. If you're coming from Bluff, Utah, take UT-162 east and drive for about 23 miles. Turn left when you see the Hovenweep National Monument sign at McElmo Canyon Road. Drive 9 miles, and then, take a left on County Road 5099/401 and a right on County Road 413/213. After 6 miles, you'll see the park entrance sign.

Address

County Road 268 A, Montezuma Creek, UT 84534

Fee: Entry fee per vehicle (1-4 adults) $7.0

Fee: Entry fee per vehicle (5+ adults) $10.0

Hovenweep National Monument is a testament to the remarkable skill of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Whether you're interested in history or you're seeking quiet hikes through the remote Utah wilderness, this fascinating site makes the perfect weekend destination. An RV is a fantastic way to sleep comfortably in the summer heat or cold winter evenings.