Good to know
- Tickets
- The monument charges an entry fee per vehicle, covered by the America the Beautiful pass. Check nps.gov for current rates. Payment is card or mobile only.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours for the Square Tower loop; a full day to add the outlying sites.
- Best time
- April to May and September to October. Summer is hot and exposed.
- Getting there
- Cortez, Colorado, is about 50 minutes away. Durango-La Plata County Airport is about 2 hours away by car.
Where to stay nearby
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Hovenweep National Monument questions
What does Hovenweep mean?
It is a Ute word often translated as deserted valley. It was adopted by photographer William Henry Jackson in 1874.
What is the best trail at Hovenweep?
The Little Ruin Canyon Trail, about 2 miles, loops past the Square Tower Group and Hovenweep Castle.
Can you camp at Hovenweep?
Yes, a small campground near the visitor center has about 30 sites. Check Recreation.gov or nps.gov before you go for reservations.
