Alerts & Conditions

Current COVID-19 Restrictions

The following guidance is in effect:
 
 
Illustration of a howling wolf wearing a face mask. Text reads "#RecreateResponsibly; Be Bold".
Masks are required in the park when social distancing cannot be maintained.

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Masks are Required

At Hovenweep National Monument, face masks are now required in all park buildings and facilities. Masks are also required outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, parking lots, pull-offs, and overlooks, and common areas in the campground. For a full list of areas where this mandate will be enforced, see the Superintendent's Compendium.

The NPS has implemented a mask requirement for employees, visitors, partners and contractors to protect the health of those who live, work, and visit national parks and National Park Service (NPS) facilities, and in support of President Biden’s Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing.

Park rangers are on duty to provide information, protect visitors and park resources, and uphold this requirement.

Statewide Limits on Social Gathering

A limit of ten (10) people for casual social gatherings is recommended for high-transmission areas, such as Grand and San Juan counties.

What's Open?

  • Park Roads

  • Hiking trails - plan ahead and be prepared

  • Campground, partially (some sites closed to promote social distancing)

  • Restrooms throughout the park

What's Closed?

When Visiting the Park

Visitor Services and Park Information

  • As weather and staffing allow, rangers provide visitor assistance outside the visitor center 9 am–noon and 2–4 pm, Thursday through Monday.
  • Park maps are available outside the visitor center.
 
Illustration of a cactus in a desert with a howling coyote in the distance. Text reads "Recreate Responsibly. NPS.gov. US Department of the Interior. National Park Service."
Stay safe and leave no trace!

NPS Graphic

Recreate Responsibly

When recreating, park visitors should follow the National Park Service mask mandate and abide by CDC guidelines on how to protect yourselves and others. Please do not visit if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19. Park staff will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

  • Keep your distance. Give others plenty of room (at least 6 feet) whether you are on a trail or in a parking lot.
  • Wear a mask. If staying at least six feet from others is not possible, wear a cloth face covering as recommended by the CDC. Masks are required throughout Hovenweep National Monument when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, restrooms, parking lots, pull-offs, and overlooks.
  • Keep it with you.
    If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities are limited in many park areas. Follow Leave No Trace principles.
 

Spring is Our Busy Season

You should recreate responsibly whenever you visit us, but please be prepared for larger crowds during the spring season.

  • Plan activities before you arrive and be flexible.
  • Bring your tent or small RV. Our campground has limited spots for larger vehicles (over 25 feet in length) and these may fill in spring.
  • Going other places? Be sure and check every destination for their current restrictions and requirements.
  • Stay parked at home. You can visit us virtually through our Facebook page and our website!
 
 

Last updated: February 19, 2021

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

McElmo Route
Cortez, CO 81321

Phone:

(970) 562-4282 x5

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