Hovenweep National Monument
National Monument ยท Colorado, Utah
NPS Photo / Jacob W. Frank
US national monument
Hovenweep National Monument is located on land in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah, between Cortez, Colorado and Blanding, Utah on the Cajon Mesa of the Great Sage Plain. Shallow tributaries run through the wide and deep canyons into the San Juan River.
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.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
All Park Hours
Hovenweep National Monument is typically open year-round. Park trails are open only sunrise to sunset.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Hovenweep National Monument?
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.
What are the best activities at Hovenweep National Monument?
Popular activities at Hovenweep National Monument include: Astronomy, Stargazing, Camping, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Park Film, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store.
What is the weather like at Hovenweep National Monument?
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 are spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October), when daytime highs average 60 to 80 F and lows average 30 to 50 F. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 F, making strenuous exercise difficult. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50 F, and lows averaging 0 to 20 F.
How do I get to Hovenweep National Monument?
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.
Entrance Fees
Entry fee is valid for 7 days and grants entry for driver and passengers in one private vehicle. Does not cover camping costs.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
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.
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 are spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October), when daytime highs average 60 to 80 F and lows average 30 to 50 F. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 F, making strenuous exercise difficult. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50 F, and lows averaging 0 to 20 F.
Directions
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.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Colorado
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