Hovenweep National Park Service photo by Neal Herbert

Hovenweep (a Ute Indian word meaning "deserted valley") contains six groups of prehistoric Anasazi Indian ruins c. 400 to 1300 A.D. These include the remains of coursed-stone masonry pueblos, small cliff dwellings and large quantities of scattered ruins. These ruins are all noted for their towers - square, oval, circular and D-shaped. Failing crops and drought compelled the inhabitants to vacate their homes sometime before 1300 A.D.

Hovenweep National Monument, administered by the National Park Service, is located along the border between southeast Utah and southwest Colorado, just north and west of Cortez, CO. Travel south on US 666/160 to County Rd. (the Airport Rd.) then follow the Hovenweep signs. Hovenweep is open year-round, the Visitors Center is open daily from 8:00am to 4:00pm, with extended hours during summer; closed on major winter holidays. Hiking trails are open during daylight hours. Please call 970-562-4282, or visit the park's website for further information.