Hovenweep National Monument – A Hidden Gem in the Utah Desert

What is Hovenweep National Monument?

Hovenweep National Monument is a beautiful place to visit during spring break or summer vacation. The views from the top of the monument are stunning. Hovenweep National Monument is located in Utah and is a popular tourist destination for its history, location, and seasons.

The National Monument was created in 1923 and named after a group of ancient ruins that are located nearby. The monument is home to many different types of animals, including bighorn sheep, deer, elk, and coyotes.

The location of the Hovenweep National Monument makes it a perfect place to visit for those who love nature. The monument is surrounded by stunning scenery, including snow-capped mountains in winter, flowers blooming in spring, and leaves changing color in autumn. There are also many hiking trails available for those who want to explore the area more deeply.

Source: National Park Service

History of the Hovenweep National Monument

The monument was built over a period of centuries and was still being built in 1300 A.D. The monument is still standing, despite its irregular shapes. The Hovenweep National Monument is a beautiful desert monument that still stands today.

The monument is made up of five different types of towers, including the square and rectangular.

The monument became a part of the national park system in 1923 under President Warren G. Harding. Tourists can visit the monument today and enjoy the beautiful desert landscape.

Prehistoric people built Hovenweep

Hovenweep was built by the Ancestral Puebloans, a prehistoric people who lived in the area around 1200-1300. The villages are perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders, and the construction and detail are amazing.

The Anasazi people lived in Hovenweep

The Anasazi people were an ancient Native American people who lived in the area that is now Hovenweep National Monument. The Anasazi people were connected to Hovenweep National Monument by their ruins located east of the monument in Colorado. The Anasazi people were a peaceful people who lived in small villages and survived by farming and hunting. The Anasazi people left the National Monument around 1300 AD, and the reason for their departure is unknown.

The Hopi people lived in Hovenweep

The Hopi people are a sovereign nation who have resided in northeastern Arizona for centuries. They maintain a sacred covenant with Maasaw, the ancient caretaker of the earth, to live as peaceful and humble farmers respectful of the land and its resources. The history of the Hovenweep National Monument is one of survival against all odds. The monument commemorates a time when the Hopi Tribe managed to resist outside influences and keep their culture and traditions alive.

The Navajo people lived in Hovenweep

The Ancestral Puebloan people inhabited Hovenweep around 1230-1275 CE. The ruins were first documented by W.D. in 1879. The inhabitants of Hovenweep are believed to have been farmers. The Navajo people first lived in Hovenweep before migrating to other areas.

The Ancestral Puebloans abandoned Hovenweep due to drought and conflicts within their tribe. The Navajo people settled in Hopi mesas and Pueblos after leaving Hovenweep.

The Pueblo people lived in Hovenweep

The Pueblo people are the descendants of the Paleoindians, who were the first to live in Hovenweep National Monument 10,000 years ago. They created many towers and other structures whose purpose is still unknown. The Pueblo people migrated south to New Mexico and Arizona around the end of the 13th century. Today’s Pueblo, Zuni and Hopi people are the descendants of this culture.

The Ute people lived in Hovenweep

The Ute people lived in Hovenweep between 1230 and 1275 CE. The ruins were first documented by William D. Owens in the early 20th century. The Ute people were agriculturists who lived in Hovenweep around 200 A.D until about 6,000 B.C. The Ute people are from the area around Hovenweep National Monument.

The Ute people were forced to leave their homes by drought and internal conflicts. After leaving, the Ancestral Puebloans settled in other parts of Arizona and New Mexico.

Things to do and Places to See at the Hovenweep National Monument

Hiking Trails

The Hovenweep National Monument offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. The Horseshoe and Hackberry Groups Trail is a short, easy hike that is great for children. The trail is only a mile long and leads to elevations of 91 feet. The hike is an out and back route and takes 2 miles to complete. The trail has a gain of 91 feet and is mostly uphill.

Picnic Areas

The Hovenweep National Monument has several picnic areas that are perfect for enjoying a meal with family or friends. These areas offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and provide a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Ranger-Led Activities

The Hovenweep National Monument offers a Junior Ranger program where kids can earn a badge. In order to earn the badge, kids must complete one hike and 3-5 activities. The activities are designed to be quick and easy to complete, making them perfect for a water break on your hike.

Scenic Views

The Hovenweep National Monument is home to some of the most breathtaking scenic views in Colorado. The best places for stargazing in Colorado include the 10 hot springs near Salida and the 3 near Pueblo. The Peaceful Hot Springs near Pueblo is a great place to relax and enjoy the nature. The Colorado Springs has many outstanding outdoor sculptures to visit.

The Top 7 Trails to Hike at Hovenweep National Monument

1 Cajon Group Trail

The Cajon Group trail is a short, easy hike with an elevation gain of 3 feet. The trail is kid-friendly and offers views of the Rocky Mountains. The trail is historic, and does not have any shade or rest stops. Dogs are not allowed on the Cajon Group Trail.

2 Horseshoe & Hackberry Trail

The trail is well marked and easy to follow. The Horseshoe and Hackberry Groups Trail is an easy hike for children. The trail is short and has a length of 1 kilometer. The horseshoe and hackberry trail hike is a 91 foot elevation gain out and back hike. The route is an out and back, so you will be hiking the same distance both ways.

This hiking trail is a historical site with wildflowers and views of the surrounding countryside. Hiking this trail does not provide any shade, so bring sunscreen and sunglasses if you are looking for relief from the sun!

3 Cutthroat Castle Trail

NOTE: The Cutthroat Castle Trail is currently closed due to an issue with the trail being on private property.

The Cutthroat Castle Trail is 1.3 miles long and gains 183 feet in elevation. The Cutthroat Castle Trail is an out and back trail, making it a great option for hikers of all levels of experience.

The hike is rated difficult and is best for experienced hikers.

4 Holly Group Trail

The Holly Group Trail is a half-mile long trail located near the restroom at Hovenweep National Monument. The trail is rated as easy, perfect for all levels of hikers. The trail is an out and back, meaning that once you reach the end you turn around and hike back the way you came.

The total distance for the hike is around seven miles. Along the way, there is an elevation gain of 75 feet. This easy hike offers great views for hiking photography lovers.

5 Square Tower Trails

Hovenweep National Monument is home to the Square Tower Group, which includes several Native American ruins.

The Rim Trail Loop and Tower Point Loop can be combined to make a longer hike. The highlights of the Square Tower Group can be seen on the Rim Trail.

6 Twin Towers Trail

The Twin Towers Trail at Hovenweep National Monument is a 5-hour walk and quite scenic. There are several old towers perched atop a canyon cliff, as well as Hovenweep Castle, the main attraction. The “Square Tower loop trail” next to the visitor center has “Stronghold House” as part of it, which is a very scenic part of the trail.

7 Stronghold House Loop

The main attractions at Hovenweep National Monument are the towers and castle. The towers are ruins of an ancient civilization, and the castle is a well-preserved example of their architecture.

The rim rock trail takes about 1.5 hours to complete and is quite scenic. It winds through the canyon and past the towers, giving hikers a great view of the monument.

There are several tower trails to explore, each with its own attractions. The Towerpoint trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the valley, while the Hackberry Canyon trail passes by petroglyphs carved into the rocks by the ancient residents of Hovenweep.

Hovenweep National Monument Campground

The Hovenweep National Monument is a good place to dry camp. There are 31 numbered sites at the campground near the visitor center. Camping is first-come, first-served. Campsites are available for both tents and RVs. Groups are limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles. Sites include tent pads, fire rings and picnic tables with shade structures. There are no hookups available.

Hovenweep National Monument Boondocking

Hovenweep National Monument in Utah has a variety of boondocking locations. You can find these locations by following the GPS coordinates. There is no need to make reservations for this free dispersed camping area. The maximum RV length that is allowed at this location is unlimited. Boondocking is a great way to see the monument. There are some beautiful, flat open areas that would be perfect for camping sites. Hovenweep National Monument is a great place to camp and explore.

Final Thoughts

Hovenweep National Monument is a beautiful and fascinating place to explore. With its many trails, scenic views, and prehistoric ruins, it is definitely worth a visit. So, if you are ever in the area, be sure to check it out!

Happy Trails,

Hovenweep National Monument

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