Visit a 1,000-year-old ancestral Puebloan site, which includes a 40-room
village. The Lowry Pueblo site was first excavated in 1931 and became a
National Historic Landmark in 1967. It is one of the most significant BLM
archaeological sites in the Four Corners region, where Colorado, Utah, New
Mexico, and Arizona meet. For more information please contact the Canyons of
the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center and Museum.

Visit a 1,000-year-old ancestral Puebloan site, which includes a 40-room village. The Lowry Pueblo site was first excavated in 1931 and became a National Historic Landmark in 1967. It is one of the most significant BLM archaeological sites in the Four Corners region, where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona meet. For more information please contact the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center and Museum.

Bird's eye view of the park

Lowry Pueblo National Historic Landmark

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument ('the Monument') encompasses over
174,000 acres of federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM). The Monument is located in the Four Corners region of southwestern
Colorado, about 50 miles west of Durango, 10 miles west of Cortez and 12 miles
west of Mesa Verde National Park. The Monument was designated on June 9, 2000
by Presidential Proclamation to protect cultural and natural resources on a
landscape scale.

The Monument contains the highest known archaeological site density in the
United States, with rich, well-preserved evidence of Native American cultures.
The archeological record etched into this landscape is much more than isolated
islands of architecture. This cultural landscape contains more than 8,300
recorded sites reflecting many physical components of past human life:
villages, field houses, check dams, reservoirs, great kivas, cliff dwellings,
shrines, sacred springs, agricultural fields, petroglyphs and sweat lodges.
Some areas have more than 100 sites per square mile. The total number of sites
is estimated to be up to 30,000.

This landscape has been used or inhabited by humans, including the Northern
Ancestral Puebloan culture, for at least 10,000 years, and continues to be
used by humans today. Contemporary uses of the Monument include recreation,
hunting, livestock grazing and energy development.

<p>Canyons of the Ancients National Monument ('the Monument') encompasses over 174,000 acres of federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Monument is located in the Four Corners region of southwestern Colorado, about 50 miles west of Durango, 10 miles west of Cortez and 12 miles west of Mesa Verde National Park. The Monument was designated on June 9, 2000 by Presidential Proclamation to protect cultural and natural resources on a landscape scale.</p>

<p>The Monument contains the highest known archaeological site density in the United States, with rich, well-preserved evidence of Native American cultures. The archeological record etched into this landscape is much more than isolated islands of architecture. This cultural landscape contains more than 8,300 recorded sites reflecting many physical components of past human life: villages, field houses, check dams, reservoirs, great kivas, cliff dwellings, shrines, sacred springs, agricultural fields, petroglyphs and sweat lodges. Some areas have more than 100 sites per square mile. The total number of sites is estimated to be up to 30,000.</p>

<p>This landscape has been used or inhabited by humans, including the Northern Ancestral Puebloan culture, for at least 10,000 years, and continues to be used by humans today. Contemporary uses of the Monument include recreation, hunting, livestock grazing and energy development.</p>

Canyon of the Ancients National Monument

Canyons of the Ancient National Monument

This WSA includes portions of three main canyons which are the continuation
ofthe Cahone Canyon WSA. The relatively flat plateau through which these
canyons are cut has a gentlesouthwest downward tilt from its 6,500 feet
elevation at the northeast boundary of the WSA. Numerousledges, rocky
outcrops, and cliffs are exposed in the stair-stepped canyons which range in
depth from300-900 feet.Ancestral Puebloan ruins are common in the canyon.

<p>This WSA includes portions of three main canyons which are the continuation ofthe Cahone Canyon WSA. The relatively flat plateau through which these canyons are cut has a gentlesouthwest downward tilt from its 6,500 feet elevation at the northeast boundary of the WSA. Numerousledges, rocky outcrops, and cliffs are exposed in the stair-stepped canyons which range in depth from300-900 feet.Ancestral Puebloan ruins are common in the canyon.</p>

Cross Canyon

This 102 mile stretch of river carves its way through broad valleys and
incised canyons with sheer canyon walls. The river passes through multiple
'special areas' including a Wilderness Study Area, a Special Recreation
Management Area, and Lands managed for Wilderness Characteristics. Whitewater
boating ranges from flatwater to Class IV rapids (Snaggletooth Rapid), with
access points at Bradfield Bridge, Mountain Sheep Point, and Gypsum Valley
recreation sites. Depending on private land owner approval access may also be
provided at Slick Rock. The Lower Dolores is situated below McPhee Reservoir
and therefore flow is based on release from the McPhee Dam. Flows can be as
low as about 10cfs or as high as 5000 cfs and downstream releases are
dependent upon the ability to fill the reservoir. Ideal boatable flows are at
least 200 cfs for canoes and kayaks, 800 cfs for rafts up 14 feet, and 1,000
cfs for rafts larger than 14 feet. The 'sweet spot' is generally considered to
be between about 1,200 cfs and 2,000 cfs. In many years, there are no boatable
releases. However, if releases due occur, they are generally between the
middle of April and the middle of June. For more information, please contact
the Tres Rios or Uncompahgre Field Office.

This 102 mile stretch of river carves its way through broad valleys and incised canyons with sheer canyon walls. The river passes through multiple 'special areas' including a Wilderness Study Area, a Special Recreation Management Area, and Lands managed for Wilderness Characteristics. Whitewater boating ranges from flatwater to Class IV rapids (Snaggletooth Rapid), with access points at Bradfield Bridge, Mountain Sheep Point, and Gypsum Valley recreation sites. Depending on private land owner approval access may also be provided at Slick Rock. The Lower Dolores is situated below McPhee Reservoir and therefore flow is based on release from the McPhee Dam. Flows can be as low as about 10cfs or as high as 5000 cfs and downstream releases are dependent upon the ability to fill the reservoir. Ideal boatable flows are at least 200 cfs for canoes and kayaks, 800 cfs for rafts up 14 feet, and 1,000 cfs for rafts larger than 14 feet. The 'sweet spot' is generally considered to be between about 1,200 cfs and 2,000 cfs. In many years, there are no boatable releases. However, if releases due occur, they are generally between the middle of April and the middle of June. For more information, please contact the Tres Rios or Uncompahgre Field Office.

Dolores River Canyon in March

Dolores River

Dolores River near Gateway

Dolores River Whitewater Rafting

Dolores River SRMA

Hovenweep preserves six prehistoric sites built between A.D. 1200 and 1300
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.

Hovenweep preserves six prehistoric sites built between A.D. 1200 and 1300 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.

## Overview

Hovenweep Campground is nestled within the beautiful, sweeping landscape of
the Colorado Plateau in Southeast Utah, at an elevation of approximately 5300
ft. The campground is located alongside two converging canyons and is only 1/4
mile (.4km) from the park's visitor center. Stunning views of mountains,
canyons, and sandstone ledges adorned with desert plants make for a
spectacular camping experience!

## Recreation

Hovenweep offers multiple hikes, with the most popular being the Square Tower
Group's 2-mile (3.2km) walking loop. This hike has the densest population of
ancestral Puebloan structures within Hovenweep and allows visitors to get
within 5-10 feet of them, creating an intimate and humbling experience with
fantastic opportunities for photography. For visitors seeking a longer hike,
the Holly Trail is conveniently located at the back of the campground and is
roughly 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip, traversing through 2 slot canyons within
Keely Canyon and leading visitors to Hovenweep's outlying site, Holly.
Additional hikes to Hovenweep's remaining outlying sites are also available,
but generally require a higher-clearance vehicle to access and are subject to
variable road conditions. Visitors can also enjoy the majesty and vastness of
the dark skies and glowing stars here at our certified International Dark Sky
Park!

## Facilities

Hovenweep offers multiple hikes, with the most popular being the Square Tower
Group's 2-mile (3.2km) walking loop. This hike has the densest population of
ancestral Puebloan structures within Hovenweep and allows visitors to get
within 5-10 feet of them, creating an intimate and humbling experience with
fantastic opportunities for photography. For visitors seeking a longer hike,
the Holly Trail is conveniently located at the back of the campground and is
roughly 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip, traversing through 2 slot canyons within
Keely Canyon and leading visitors to Hovenweep's outlying site, Holly.
Additional hikes to Hovenweep's remaining outlying sites are also available,
but generally require a higher-clearance vehicle to access and are subject to
variable road conditions. Visitors can also enjoy the majesty and vastness of
the dark skies and glowing stars here at our certified International Dark Sky
Park!

## Natural Features

The campground is forested with beautiful, established Utah Juniper trees
along with many desert wildflowers and plants, dotting the landscape and
offering vivid color to the surrounding sandstone ledges and canyons. Spring
reveals the majesty of Veined Penstemon, painting our park with pinks, blues
and purples, while Fall sparkles with yellow rabbit brush accents. The park is
within an arid, high desert environment with hot summers and cold winters.
Hovenweep is home to many species of wildlife, ranging from antelope ground
squirrels, ravens, and songbirds to coyotes, jack rabbits and lizards. Many
nights and mornings are filled with the calls and songs of our local wildlife!
This area piques the interest of many wildlife viewers, birders, and artists
as they pull inspiration from the natural beauty and welcoming peace of
Hovenweep!

## Nearby Attractions

Hovenweep is located roughly 45 miles from the nearest town with restaurants
and shopping. The closest gas station is located 20 miles from the park, in
Aneth, Utah. Our park is located next to Canyons of the Ancients National
Monument, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Canyons of the
Ancients offers mountain biking/horseback riding trails, as well as
archaeological sites and other areas of interest for visitors to explore.
There are also multiple state, national, and tribal parks located within an
hour or two's driving distance from Hovenweep.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Hovenweep Campground is nestled within the beautiful, sweeping landscape of the Colorado Plateau in Southeast Utah, at an elevation of approximately 5300 ft. The campground is located alongside two converging canyons and is only 1/4 mile (.4km) from the park's visitor center. Stunning views of mountains, canyons, and sandstone ledges adorned with desert plants make for a spectacular camping experience!</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Hovenweep offers multiple hikes, with the most popular being the Square Tower Group's 2-mile (3.2km) walking loop. This hike has the densest population of ancestral Puebloan structures within Hovenweep and allows visitors to get within 5-10 feet of them, creating an intimate and humbling experience with fantastic opportunities for photography. For visitors seeking a longer hike, the Holly Trail is conveniently located at the back of the campground and is roughly 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip, traversing through 2 slot canyons within Keely Canyon and leading visitors to Hovenweep's outlying site, Holly. Additional hikes to Hovenweep's remaining outlying sites are also available, but generally require a higher-clearance vehicle to access and are subject to variable road conditions. Visitors can also enjoy the majesty and vastness of the dark skies and glowing stars here at our certified International Dark Sky Park!</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Hovenweep offers multiple hikes, with the most popular being the Square Tower Group's 2-mile (3.2km) walking loop. This hike has the densest population of ancestral Puebloan structures within Hovenweep and allows visitors to get within 5-10 feet of them, creating an intimate and humbling experience with fantastic opportunities for photography. For visitors seeking a longer hike, the Holly Trail is conveniently located at the back of the campground and is roughly 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip, traversing through 2 slot canyons within Keely Canyon and leading visitors to Hovenweep's outlying site, Holly. Additional hikes to Hovenweep's remaining outlying sites are also available, but generally require a higher-clearance vehicle to access and are subject to variable road conditions. Visitors can also enjoy the majesty and vastness of the dark skies and glowing stars here at our certified International Dark Sky Park!</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground is forested with beautiful, established Utah Juniper trees along with many desert wildflowers and plants, dotting the landscape and offering vivid color to the surrounding sandstone ledges and canyons. Spring reveals the majesty of Veined Penstemon, painting our park with pinks, blues and purples, while Fall sparkles with yellow rabbit brush accents. The park is within an arid, high desert environment with hot summers and cold winters. Hovenweep is home to many species of wildlife, ranging from antelope ground squirrels, ravens, and songbirds to coyotes, jack rabbits and lizards. Many nights and mornings are filled with the calls and songs of our local wildlife! This area piques the interest of many wildlife viewers, birders, and artists as they pull inspiration from the natural beauty and welcoming peace of Hovenweep!</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Hovenweep is located roughly 45 miles from the nearest town with restaurants and shopping. The closest gas station is located 20 miles from the park, in Aneth, Utah. Our park is located next to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Canyons of the Ancients offers mountain biking/horseback riding trails, as well as archaeological sites and other areas of interest for visitors to explore. There are also multiple state, national, and tribal parks located within an hour or two's driving distance from Hovenweep.</p>

Campsites have picnic tables with shade structures

Campsite

Hovenweep Campground has 31 sites

Campground

Hovenweep Campground

Hovenweep National Monument

Montezuma Canyon is a high desert canyon with a good graded or gravel road
popular for auto tours. Attractions include the scenery, archeological and
historical sites, and wildlife.

Montezuma Canyon is a high desert canyon with a good graded or gravel road popular for auto tours. Attractions include the scenery, archeological and historical sites, and wildlife.

Montezuma Canyon

Three Kiva is a stabilized pueblo located in Montezuma Canyon along County
Road B146 about seven miles upcanyon from the Perkins Road (County Road B206).
It features a reconstructed kiva with a roof and ladder access, accessed by a
short foot path. The remainder of the pueblo is visible as stabilized wall
bases, with the upper parts having collapsed prehistorically. About 1,000
years ago, Three Kiva Ruin was part of a large and thriving community that
took advantage of the resources that the canyon had to offer. Extensive
excavations by a team of archeologists from Brigham Young University revealed
14 rooms and three kivas, a ramada working area, a trash mound, and a possible
turkey run. Large portions of this complex have been stabilized, but only one
of the kivas is reconstructed.

Three Kiva is a stabilized pueblo located in Montezuma Canyon along County Road B146 about seven miles upcanyon from the Perkins Road (County Road B206). It features a reconstructed kiva with a roof and ladder access, accessed by a short foot path. The remainder of the pueblo is visible as stabilized wall bases, with the upper parts having collapsed prehistorically.

About 1,000 years ago, Three Kiva Ruin was part of a large and thriving community that took advantage of the resources that the canyon had to offer. Extensive excavations by a team of archeologists from Brigham Young University revealed 14 rooms and three kivas, a ramada working area, a trash mound, and a possible turkey run. Large portions of this complex have been stabilized, but only one of the kivas is reconstructed.

Lowry Pueblo National Historic Landmark

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Canyons of the Ancient National Monument

Cross Canyon

Dolores River SRMA

Hovenweep National Monument

Montezuma Canyon

Three Kiva Pueblo