Last updated: July 12, 2026
Thing to Do
Walk to the Square Tower Group Overlook
NPS photo
This overlook is your gateway to the Square Tower Group and often your first glimpse of Hovenweep’s ancestral Puebloan structures. Just a 10-minute walk from the visitor center, the overlook provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape, Little Ruin Canyon, and several of the Square Tower Group structures. It is also the beginning of the Square Tower Group rim trail.
The paved overlook trail beings at the visitor center; round-trip length is 0.32 miles (0.5 kilometers). Along the way, placards identify native plants.
The Square Tower Group is Hovenweep’s largest collection of standing structures. From the overlook, you can see Stronghold House, Twin Towers, Eroded Boulder House, and Tower Point. Waysides at the overlook identify and interpret these structures.
Visiting Respectfully
These structures may seem long-abandoned, but they are ancestral homes for the modern Pueblo peoples, many of whom believe their ancestors inhabit them still. Hovenweep National Monument was established to protect these places. Help us protect these dwellings by remaining on trail, not touching or entering any structure, and leaving any artifact in place. Thank you for doing your part and visiting respectfully!
Details
Duration
10-30 Minutes
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Age(s)
All ages
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets must be on leash (6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Hovenweep Visitor Center
Park at the visitor center and follow the sidewalk through the visitor center breezeway. The sidewalk continues down to the overlook.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Trails may be slippery or icy in winter. This trail has little shade and will be hot in the summer.
Time of Day
Any Time
The canyon overlook trail is the only trail open to visitors all times of day. This trail is perfect for sunrise and sunset photos: the overlook faces south, so shadows fall right and left for sunrise and sunset, respectively. Please keep in mind that no other trail is open after sunset or before sunrise, including the remainder of the Square Tower Loop: visitors are not allowed to leave the sidewalk at the overlook.
Accessibility Information
The overlook trail is paved sidewalk. The trail curves a few times and declines 33 feet down to the overlook. There is a total ascent of 33 feet when returning to the visitor center. There are benches at the trailhead/ visitor center, a bench halfway down the trail, and a bench at the overlook. Total trail length (round trip) is 0.32 miles, or about 600 yards (0.5 kilometers).