Hovenweep National Monument Travel Guide

Discover the culturally significant and natural attractions of Hovenweep National Monument, along with hiking/biking routes, week-long itineraries, food and drink scene, best places to stay, local customs and culture, safety tips, and transportation options.


Introduction to Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument is a place of extraordinary beauty and cultural importance. This historic site in Southwest, United States of America, is home to a collection of ancient Puebloan ruins scattered across the Colorado Plateau. These ruins are a testament to the architecture and engineering skills of the ancient Puebloan people who inhabited the region, and they provide visitors with a unique look at the rich history of the American Southwest.

The area is also noted for spectacular night skies, with limited light pollution for star gazing and astrophotography enthusiasts.

List of Places to Visit in Hovenweep National Monument

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Square Tower Group
  2. Hovenweep Castle
  3. Hovenweep House
  4. Hovenweep Unit
  5. Cutthroat Castle
  6. Cajon Unit

All of these cultural attractions represent the distinctive architecture and building techniques of ancient Puebloan people who lived in the region roughly between AD 1200 and 1300. Each of these ancient ruins are built in a unique style and with different materials, including wood, mud, and yellow sandstone.

Natural Attractions of Hovenweep National Monument: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Hiking Trails
  2. Biking Trails
  3. Limited use roads(Wash or Clayton)
  4. Birdwatching
  5. Stargazing

Enjoying the scenic beauty that surrounds the national monument is a highlight of any visit to Hovenweep. Many of the hiking and biking trails in the park pass through stunning landscapes and offer views of ancient ruins, canyon lands, and desertscapes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hovenweep National Monument

The national monument offers a variety of hiking and biking routes. Popular trails include

  1. The Square Tower Group Trail
  2. The Holly Trail
  3. The Hackberry/Horseshoe Trail
  4. The Cutthroat Loop Trail
  5. The Stronghold Unit Trail
  6. The Upper and Lower Trails of Hovenweep Canyon.

Maps are available at the visitor center and online.

Best Things to Do in Hovenweep National Monument: Activities and Tours

  1. Guided tours
  2. Ranger-led programs
  3. Wildflower walks
  4. Night sky programs
  5. Artist-in-Residence program

Guided tours and ranger-led programs offer insight into the culture, history, and natural features of Hovenweep. There’s also an artist-in-residence program that offers visitors the chance to interact with park artists and craftspeople.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hovenweep National Monument

Day 1: Visit the Square Tower Group to see the unique style of ancient Puebloan ruins. Day 2: Hike the Holly Trail to the Holly Group ruins, one of the most photogenic sites in the park. Day 3: Take a guided tour of the Cutthroat Castle and Cajon Unit ruins. Day 4: Stargaze observing night sky of the park. Hovenweep is an IDA certified dark sky park and maximizes astrophotography opportunities. Day 5: Hike the Stronghold Unit Trail that provides views of natural scenery. Day 6: Participate in ranger-led programs and visit the visitor center to learn more about the park’s history Day 7: Departures or plan further excursions

Food and Drink Scene of Hovenweep National Monument

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Navajo taco
  2. Fry bread
  3. Green Chilli

The food in the region is a mix of Native American and Mexican cuisines. The Navajo taco and fry bread are staple dishes and a delightfully tasty recipe for a hungry traveler.

Local Beverages

  1. Jemez Springs water
  2. Chaco Canyon Sunrise Hot Chocolate

Jemez Springs water is a local pure mineral water that is used for some of the region’s best beverages. The Chaco Canyon Sunrise Hot Chocolate is a locally sourced hot drink with flavors inspired by the natural beauty of Hovenweep.

Where to Stay in Hovenweep National Monument: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Sleeping Ute Lodge
  2. Elk Meadows Lodge
  3. Gateway RV Park

Sleeping Ute Lodge and Elk Meadows Lodge offer comfortable accommodations within the park itself. Gateway RV Park provides camping and recreational vehicle hook-up sites for travelers.

What to Buy in Hovenweep National Monument: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Native American Jewelry
  2. Pottery
  3. Metal Artwork

The park’s retail stores offer a great selection of Native American-inspired jewelry, pottery, and metal artwork. These unique souvenirs are perfect to bring back home after the visit to Hovenweep.

Local Culture and Customs of Hovenweep National Monument

The area has a rich history of ancient Native American culture, southwestern Hispanic culture, and frontier culture. Visitors can gain insight into the region’s cultural heritage by visiting nearby cultural attractions like the Anasazi Heritage Center, the Canyons of the Ancients, and Mesa Verde national parks.

Best Time to Visit Hovenweep National Monument

The best time to visit Hovenweep National Monument is between the months of March and October when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor adventures and activities. The park is open year-round, but some hiking and outdoor activities may be restricted during the winter months due to snowfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hovenweep National Monument

Do:

  1. Follow Leave No Trace principles
  2. Stay on designated trails
  3. Respect the ancient ruins and structures
  4. Attend ranger-led programs
  5. Stargazing observing night sky of the park.

Don’t:

  1. Climb on or take rocks from ancient structures
  2. Bring pets on trails and walking areas
  3. Smoke cigarettes in any park area

Safety and Health

Safety in Hovenweep National Monument

  1. Carry enough water
  2. Wear sturdy shoes
  3. Bring a local map or GPS navigator

Health in Hovenweep National Monument

  1. Stay hydrated
  2. Use sunscreen and protective clothing
  3. Wear a hat

Getting to Hovenweep National Monument: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hovenweep National Monument

The closest major airport is Durango-La Plata County Airport, which is located about 70 miles northwest of Hovenweep.

Bus Stations Near Hovenweep National Monument

The nearest bus station to Hovenweep National Monument is located in Cortez, Colorado, which is about 25 miles north of the park.

Other Options

Driving is the most practical way to get to Hovenweep National Monument and the easiest way to get around when you are there.

How to Get Around in Hovenweep National Monument

  1. By car
  2. Bike rentals
  3. Hiking

The best ways to get around Hovenweep National Monument include a car, bike rentals, and hiking. Some parts of the park are only accessible by foot.

Where to Go Next from Hovenweep National Monument: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Mesa Verde National Park
  2. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
  3. Four Corners Monument

There are plenty of exciting nearby destinations and excursions for visitors who want to explore more of the American Southwest region after their visit to Hovenweep.

Conclusion

Hovenweep National Monument is a national treasure that is worth the visit. It provides a glimpse into the unique culture and history of the ancient Puebloan people in the American Southwest. With incredible scenery and exciting outdoor activities, Hovenweep offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

Eastern Collared Lizard, ''Crotaphytus collaris'' Eastern Collared Lizard, ''Crotaphytus collaris'' Cryptobiotic soil in Hovenweep National Monument. Cryptobiotic soil in Hovenweep National Monument.