Hovenweep House

Hovenweep House sits at the head of the canyon, just opposite Hovenweep Castle

NPS photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Square Tower Group

Significance:

unique ancestral Puebloan structure

Amenities

1 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot

Hovenweep House was the center of the Square Tower group. What still stands was built on solid sandstone bedrock. The rest has crumbled to the ground, but a closer look at the rubble reveals its former size and pattern. As with other buildings in this area, the masons took great care with their stonework. Some boulders were pecked on the surface, a technique also seen at nearby MesaVerde. Small, flat rocks were inserted as spalls, or chinks, in the mortar joints. The walls may have been completely covered with thick layers of clay-based plaster.

The unique stone towers and other buildings at Hovenweep are extremely fragile. To help preserve them, observe proper site etiquette.

• Remain on marked trails.

• Do not enter or touch any structure.

• Do not touch or disturb any artifacts, including pottery sherds, arrow points, or rock art. Once removed from context, the story they tell is gone forever.