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Hovenweep Visitor Center - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Old Ruins
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About Hovenweep Visitor Center

Hovenweep National Monument is located on the southern tip of Colorado. The monument consists of six different villages that were built by the ancient Pueblo people. The villages are spread out over a 20-mile area and are located near canyons and mesas. The Pueblo people built the villages between 1100 and 1300 AD. They used the villages as seasonal homes and for trading with other tribes. The villages were abandoned in the 1300s, and the reason why is unknown.
Address : Hovenweep Rd, Montezuma Creek, UT 84534, USA

Things to Do at Hovenweep Visitor Center

Hovenweep National Monument is a beautiful place to visit, with plenty of things to see and do. The first thing to do when you arrive is to take in the stunning scenery. The ancient ruins are set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and red-rock formations, and the Colorado River winds its way through the monument. There are several trails to explore, ranging from easy hikes to more challenging treks. For those who want to learn more about the history of the area, there are ranger-led tours of the ruins. And be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife! Hovenweep is home to a variety of animals, including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. 


Top Activities Near Hovenweep Visitor Center

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History of Hovenweep Visitor Center

Hovenweep National Monument was established in 1923 to protect the remains of six Ancestral Puebloan villages. The villages are spread out over a 20-mile stretch of canyonlands on the Utah-Colorado border. The name Hovenweep comes from a Ute word meaning "deserted valley," and indeed, the area was largely uninhabited when the first European settlers arrived in the late 19th century. However, the ruins of the ancient villages attest to the fact that this was once a thriving community. The people who lived here built their homes into the canyon walls and used the natural landscape to their advantage. They constructed dams and irrigation canals to bring water to their fields, and they gathered plant life and hunted game to sustain themselves. The Hovenweep villagers were a self-sufficient people, and they left behind a fascinating history. The National Monument is open to visitors year-round, and it is a beautiful place to explore the fascinating history of the Ancestral Puebloans.


Best Time to Visit Hovenweep Visitor Center

The best time to visit Hovenweep National Monument is in the spring or fall. The weather is moderate during these seasons, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the ruins. In addition, the crowds are usually smaller during these times of year, so you can enjoy the monument at a more leisurely pace. 

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Tips for Visiting Hovenweep Visitor Center

  1. Plan your visit in advance. Hovenweep National Monument is a remote site, so it's important to plan your trip carefully. Be sure to check theweather forecast and pack appropriate clothing and supplies.
  2. Stop at the visitor center. The visitor center is your best resource for information about the monument and its history. Be sure to pick up a map and guidebook before beginning your exploration.
  3. Stay on designated trails and roads. Help protect the fragile desert ecosystem by staying on designated trails and roads at all times.
  4. Do not bring food into the ruins, as it attracts pests.
  5. Leave your pets at home, as they are not allowed in the monument.
  6. Purchase a permit if you plan on doing any backcountry camping.
  7.  Make sure to bring plenty of water, as there is no potable water available at the monument.
     

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Hovenweep Visitor Center

  1. Hovenweep is home to six Hopi and Pueblo villages that were built between 1200 and 1300 AD.
  2. Hovenweep became a National Monument in 1923 and is administered by the National Park Service.
  3. The monuments covers an area of more than 20,000 acres.
  4. The most well-known village at Hovenweep is Square Tower Group, which features four towers that were built using large blocks of sandstone and Archeologists believe that the towers were used for defensive purposes, as they provided an excellent vantage point for spotting enemy approach.
  5. Another interesting village at Hovenweep is known asCutthroat Castle, which gets its name from a group of petroglyphs depicting three cutthroats who appear to be attacking a fourth person.
  6. The Ancestral Puebloans began to abandon Hovenweep around 1300 CE for reasons that are not entirely clear. One theory is that they left because of drought conditions. Another possibility is that they left because of conflict with neighboring groups. 
     

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Hovenweep Visitor Center

However, most visitors will need two or three days to fully experience everything that Hovenweep has to offer. 


How to Reach Hovenweep Visitor Center

Hovenweep can be reached by car or RV via Highway 191, which runs through the monument’s namesake town of Monticello, Utah. From Monticello, it’s a scenic two-hour drive to Hovenweep via unpaved roads. The monument is also accessible by foot, horseback, or bike; however, due to the remote location and lack of services, these options are best suited for experienced adventurers.


Entrance Fee of Hovenweep Visitor Center

There is an entrance fee of $7 per person. Children under the age of 16 are free. Annual passes are also available for $35. 


Opening Hours of Hovenweep Visitor Center

The monument is open year-round, and visiting hours vary depending on the season. In the summer, the monument is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and in the winter, it is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 


Attractions Near Hovenweep Visitor Center

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Canyons of the Ancients National MonumentCanyons of the Ancients National Monument is located in Montezuma County, Colorado. The monument consists of canyons, mesas, and other natural features carved by the wind and rain over millions of years. The area is home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as a rich Native American history. archaeological sites have been found that date back more than 10,000 years. Visitors to the monument can enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, and birdwatching.
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Lowry PuebloLowry Pueblo is a Mesa Verde Anasazi site located in Montezuma County, Colorado. The site was inhabited ca. 1200-1300 CE and consists of a small pueblo with around 30 rooms. The pueblo is located on a bluff overlooking the Rio Grande River and was likely used as a hunting and gathering campsite. The site was first excavated in the early 1900s and has since been reconstructed.
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Ute MountainUte Mountain is located in Montezuma County, Colorado. The mountain is part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and has an elevation of 12,721 feet. The mountain is named for the Ute people, who inhabited the area prior to European settlement. Ute Mountain is known for its stunning views and extensive hiking trails. The mountain is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and black bears. Ute Mountain is a popular destination for camping, picnicking, and sightseeing.
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Yucca House National MonumentYucca House National Monument is located in Montezuma County, Colorado. It was established as a National Monument in 1909 by President Theodore Roosevelt. The monument consists of a large number of Ancestral Puebloan ruins, including the largest concentration of masonry dwellings in the Southwest United States. The site is believed to have been occupied between 1050 and 1300 AD. Today, the monument is open to the public for tours and educational programs.
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Crow Canyon Archaeological CenterThe Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is dedicated to understanding and protecting the heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The center is located, on the site of a former Anasazi village. Today, the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is open to the public and offers a variety of educational programs and tours. The center also conducts research on the Anasazi and other Native American tribes in the region.
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Four Corners MonumentThe Four Corners Monument marks the quadripoint in the Southwestern United States where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet. It is the only point in the United States shared by four states, leading to the area being named the Four Corners region. The monument also marks the boundary between two semi-autonomous Native American governments, the Navajo Nation, which maintains the monument as a tourist attraction, and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Reservation.

Discover More Attractions in Montezuma County, Home of Hovenweep Visitor Center

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Montezuma County
Montezuma County in southwestern Colorado is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the state. From the snow-capped peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the red rocks of Mesa Verde National Park, there is no shortage of natural beauty to explore. Not to mention, the county is also home to a wealth of history and culture. A visit to Montezuma County is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Location of Hovenweep Visitor Center


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