Alerts & Conditions

Latest COVID-19 Update

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 the NPS has implemented a mask requirement for employees, visitors, partners and contractors.

 
Illustration of a howling wolf wearing a face mask. Text reads "#RecreateResponsibly; Be Bold".

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Masks are Required

At Hovenweep National Monument, all people must wear face masks when indoors, including park stores and restrooms, regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, masks must be worn in outdoors spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as narrow or busy trails, overlooks, visitor center patios, and other congested areas. For a full list of areas where this mandate will be enforced, see the Superintendent's Compendium.

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

What's Open?

  • Park Roads

  • Hiking trails - plan ahead and be prepared

  • Restrooms throughout the park

What's Closed?

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, maintain social distance, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. 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.

 

Summers are hot!

You should recreate responsibly whenever you visit us, but please be prepared for high temperatures and sun exposure during the summer.

  • Plan activities before you arrive and be flexible. Plan to hike early morning or early evening, when temperatures are coolest.

  • Bring your water and sun protection. Drink plenty and often, eat salty snacks, and wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

  • Don't forget your raincoat. Summer is also our monsoon season and afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and severe.

  • Going other places? Be sure and check every destination for their current restrictions and requirements.

  • Stay parked at home to beat the heat. You can visit us virtually through our Facebook page and our website!

 
 

Last updated: August 20, 2021

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

McElmo Route
Cortez, CO 81321

Phone:

(970) 562-4282 x5

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