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Colorado > Hovenweep National Monument

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Hovenweep National Monument

General Information

Description - Hovenweep National Monument protects some of the finest examples of ancient stone architecture in the southwest. Pre-Columbian Indians built these six groups of towers, pueblos, and cliff dwellings. The inhabitants of Hovenweep were part of the large farming culture which occupied the Four Corners region of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona from about 500 B.C. until nearly A.D. 1300. These peoples also constructed the cliff dwellings in nearby Mesa Verde National Park. The monument is noted for its solitude, clear skies and undeveloped, natural character.

Attractions - The Square Tower Group is the primary contact facility with a visitor center, campground and interpretive trail. Other groups (or villages) include Cajon, Cutthroat Castle, Goodman Point, Hackberry, Holly and Horseshoe.

There is a small campground near the ranger station which is open seasonally on a first-come, first-served basis. The sites are designed for tent camping, though a few sites will accommodate RV's 25 feet or less in length.

Recreation - Hovenweep offers opportunities for viewing scenery, viewing historic sites, camping and hiking. Canyon Country Outdoor Education, a cooperative venture between the National Park Service, local school districts and nonprofit organizations, leads school groups on field trips throughout the area. Educators can download curriculum materials for grades one through six.

Climate - Summer highs may exceed 100 Degrees Fahrenheit, with lows in the 60's. Fall and Spring temperatures are milder, with highs in the 70's and 80's. Winter temperatures range from highs in the 40's and 50's to lows well below freezing. Snow is usually light to moderate. Biting Pinion Gnats are common in late May.

Location - Hovenweep National Monument is located in southeastern Utah, just north and west of Cortez, Colorado. Paved roads lead from both Cortez, Colorado and Blanding, Utah. Some roads in the area remain very rough and may be impassable in stormy weather.

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More Information

Contact Information:
Hovenweep National Monument, McElmo Route , Cortez, CO, 81321, Phone: 970-749-0510

Additional Information:
Canyonland - This travel region encompasses the southeastern corner of Utah. In consists of a series of canyons, plateaus and cliffs, most of which are on public land.
Colorado National Forests & Parks - Colorado is well known for its National Forests and Parks which include 14,000-foot mountains, world-class ski resorts, semiarid deserts, ancient Indian ruins and wide open plains.
Utah National Forests and Parks - This large western state contains several National Forest and National Park properties. These diverse sites lie in all regions of the state and consist of natural and cultural attractions accessible throughout the year.

Links:
Hovenweep National Monument - Official agency website