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National Monument · CO, UT

Hovenweep National Monument

Open

No closure notices posted by NPS.

Last checked Oct 24, 2026, 9:57 PM ET

Official NPS page →
Park Lookout is an independent site, not the National Park Service. We are not affiliated with NPS. Confirm conditions on nps.gov before you go: official Hovenweep National Monument page.

Current NPS alerts (2)

Information

Voicemail not functioning

The voicemail for the main park phone line (970-562-4282) is not functioning reliably. People are advised to call during business hours in order to speak with a ranger.

Last updated by NPS: Jan 22, 2026

Information

Hovenweep has gone cashless

The park now accepts only mobile or electronic payments for entrance & camping fees. You can reserve campsites and buy entrance passes on Recreation.gov, or only use debit/credit cards to pay in person.

Last updated by NPS: Jul 3, 2024 · NPS alert source

Hikes, views & photo spots

Picked from official NPS trail and things-to-do pages. Lengths, difficulty and times are shown only where NPS states them. Each spot is checked against current NPS alerts on every update.

  • Photo

    Square Tower Group Overlook

    Length: 0.32 mi (0.5 km) round trip, paved

    Ten-minute walk from the visitor center to a canyon overlook of ancestral Puebloan towers.

    NPS tip: NPS calls it perfect for sunrise and sunset photos (it faces south), and it is the only trail open at all hours.

    NPS page →

  • Hike

    Square Tower Group Loop

    Length: 2 mi loopTime: About 2 hours

    Primitive rim trail within a few feet of Hovenweep Castle, Square Tower and other structures; stairs cross the canyon. Closed sunset to sunrise.

    NPS page →

  • Hike

    Holly Trail

    Time: At least 4 hours

    The monument's longest, most rugged hike, through slot canyons to the Holly Group towers and petroglyphs. Not recommended in winter.

    NPS page →

  • Night sky

    Night skies

    Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs, and you are welcome to stargaze on your own.

    NPS tip: NPS suggests a chair or blanket, a red flashlight and warm clothes.

    NPS page →

Sources: NPS Data API: things to do. Spot list checked Oct 24, 2026; trail conditions change, so confirm on nps.gov before you go.

Weather alerts (National Weather Service)

Severe · NWS Grand Junction CO

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued October 24 at 11:39AM MDT until October 25 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

From Oct 24, 1:39 PM ET until Oct 25, 2:00 PM ET · Area: Uncompahgre Plateau/Dallas Divide; Northwestern San Juan Mountains; Southwest San Juan Mountains; Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River; Four Corners/Upper Dolores

Severe · NWS Grand Junction CO

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued October 24 at 7:28PM MDT until October 26 at 11:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

From Oct 24, 9:28 PM ET until Oct 26, 1:00 PM ET · Area: Montezuma, CO; San Juan, UT

Articles about Hovenweep National Monument

Source: NPS news releaseFire Restrictions Rescinded in Southeast Utah Group Parks

Released Sep 3, 2026 · opens nps.gov

Source: NPS news releaseCall for 2027 Community Artist in the Parks

Released Aug 28, 2026 · opens nps.gov

Source: NPS news releaseFire Restrictions Increase in Southeast Utah Group Parks

Released Jun 23, 2026 · opens nps.gov

About this site

Hovenweep preserves six prehistoric sites built between 1200 and 1300 CE which may have served as ceremonial centers. Explore a variety of structures, including multistory towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders. The construction and attention to detail will leave you marveling at the skill and motivation of the builders.

Type
National Monument
States
Colorado, Utah
Address
Along the border between southeast Utah and southwest Colorado, Just north and west of Cortez, CO, Cortez, CO 81321

From the NPS Data API. Official NPS page →