Hovenweep National Monument - The Colorado Vacation Directory

TOWNS & AREAS    |    PLACES TO STAY    |    FUN THINGS TO DO    |    COLORADO MAPS
towns, areas
cabins, cottages
lodges, motels
lodges, motels
vacation homes
suites, condos
bed and breakfasts
tent camping sites
rv parks
rv services
romance packages
family activities
dogs ok
properties by water
swimming pools
guest horses
groups, reunions, weddings
weddings
winter activities

Hovenweep National Monument

click here for info on banner advertising

People inhabited the area of Hovenweep National Monument as long as 10,000 years ago. The people would live in this area for short periods of time while following the seasonal weather patterns. In the year 900 AD people began to settle at Hovenweep year round. 5 prehistoric, Puebloan-era villages were erected with most of the structures being built from 1200 - 1300 AD. During the end of the 13th century, drought drove away the people of these villages. The Pueblo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes are their descendants. After several explorations to the area, President Harding proclaimed Hovenweep a National Monument in 1923. Now, Hovenweep is an archaeological center known for its undeveloped natural character. The park covers 785 acres, bringing 30,000 visitors a year. Located near Cortez and Mancos Colorado, at the border of Colorado and Utah, the park is open year round.
hovenweep national monumenthovenweep national monument

The Square Tower Group trail is a two-mile loop that takes about 1.5 hours to hike. This area is the largest collection of ancestral Puebloan structures at Hovenweep. The Square Tower, for which the area was named, is a three-story structure that was probably used for ceremonies. Also around the area are 30 kivas (ceremonial structures), as well as, other residential areas. It is possible that as many as 500 people occupied this area from 1200 - 1300. The other structures in the area could have been used for celestial observatories, defensive structures, storage facilities, civil buildings, homes or any combination of the above. Starting at the Visitor Center, the trail is paved to the first overlook, which makes it wheelchair accessible.

Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center, which is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. Here you will be able to sign up for interactive programs with rangers, which include patio and overlook talks. These talks can range from information about the Indian flute, how to use an atlatl (a Native American hunting weapon), or how lizards survive at Hovenweep. You will also be able to get a trail guide for the Square Tower Group trail at the Visitor Center.

Also located nearby is:
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Mesa Verde National Park

Places to Stay near Hovenweep National Monument:
  • Southwest Indian River Mountain Canyon House
      Secluded home on 12 private acres in Dolores with 3 bedrooms. The owner, a park ranger, can guide you through any one of nine National Parks and Monuments in the area (with advanced arrangements).
    • More Activities & Information:
    Mesa Verde Area
    Dolores

    Directions:
    From Cortez, CO: Travel southwest on U.S. Highway 160, 4 miles south and west on County Road G (airport roadway) 41 miles.

    Return to the top

    Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site / Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park / Blue Mesa Reservoir/Curecanti National Recreation Area / Canyons of the Ancients National Monument / Chimney Rock Archaeological Site / Colorado National Monument / Comanche National Grassland / Dinosaur National Monument / Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

    / Garden of the Gods Recreation Area / Great Sand Dunes National Park / Hovenweep National Monument / Mesa Verde National Park / Pawnee National Grassland / Pikes Peak / Rocky Mountain National Park / The United States Air Force Academy

    		colorado maps
    calendars of events
    national parks & monuments
    scenic byways
    fishing, fly fishing
    hot springs, mineral springs, mineral bath
    horse rides, horseback riding
    atving
    jeeping
    rafting, kayaking, whitewater
    attractions
    golfing
    meals served, fine dining, food, restaurant
    museums, ghost towns, caves, mines, tours, sight-seeing
    hunting, guides, outfitters
    snowmobiling
    downhill skiing
    snowshoeing
    cross-country skiing

    Order your FREE Colorado Directory here! | Download our Colorado Map here

    Colorado Towns & Areas | Places To Stay | Fun Things To Do | Colorado Maps
    Links | Help | Contact Us | About Us

    A-Z List of Accommodations | A-Z List of Fun Things to Do | Cabins & Cottages | Motels & Hotels | Mountain Lodges | Vacation Homes | Condos, Suites & Townhomes | Country Bed & Breakfast Inns | Tent Camping Sites in Campgrounds | RV Parks & Campgrounds | RV Sales, Services, Rentals & Manufacturers | Romance Packages | Family Activities | Dogs OK/Pets Welcome | By Water Accommodations | Swimming Pools | Guest Horses | Groups, Reunions, Meetings, Retreats & Conferences | Weddings & Elopements | Open in Winter | Calendars of Events | National Parks, Monuments & Historic Sites | Scenic Byways | Fishing | Hot Springs | Horse Rides | ATVing | Jeeping & 4WD | Rafting & Kayaking | Golfing & Golf Courses | Restaurants | More Fun Stuff | Hunting | Snowmobiling | Downhill Skiing | Snowshoeing | Cross-Country Skiing

    Copyright by The Colorado Directory, Inc. This is a directory only; it is not and does not contain a recommendation,warranty, guaranty, inducement or endorsement of any kind. Representations herein were supplied by the individual businesses. The publisher, The Colorado Directory, Inc., does not assume any responsibility for truth, falsity or completeness of any representation made herein or any errors, changes, services rendered, or changes made in the use of this directory. This information was compiled as accurately as possible. Prices and services are frequently subject to change. Errors called to the publisher's attention will be corrected in the future. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.