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.

Lowry Ruins

Lowry Pueblo National Historic Landmark

## Plan Your Visit

Exploring Canyons of the Ancients National Monument offers an unforgettable
experience in a rugged desert landscape rich in history and cultural
significance. With thousands of cultural sites spread across 176,000 acres,
visitors are encouraged to travel respectfully—stay on designated trails,
avoid disturbing ancient structures, and leave what you find. These fragile
remnants of the past reflect over 12,000 years of connections between people
and the land.

## Things to Do

  * **Visit the Interpretive Center** : Start your journey at the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, which features interactive galleries and authentic cultural objects, two on-site Pueblos, and a small gift shop.
  * **Take a Scenic Drive** : An 88-mile scenic drive that goes around Hovenweep National Monument, managed by the National Park Service, also passes by two BLM sites with accessible trails: Lowry Pueblo National Historic Landmark and Painted Hand Pueblo. This driving loop is part of the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway managed by the Colorado Tourism Office.
  * **Hike and Horseback Ride** : These activities are permitted throughout the Monument, except in the Sand Canyon / Rock Creek Recreation Management Area, where they are restricted to designated routes. There is a corral located off County Road 10, just northeast of BLM Road 4525. 
  * **Bike or Drive Off Road** : Bikes and OHVs are restricted to designated off-road and trail routes. Phil’s World, located off L and M roads, offers a world class mountain biking trail system.
  * **Rock Climb** : Climbing (rock climbing, repelling, and/or bouldering) is allowed in designated areas in the Mockingbird Mesa Recreation Management Area.
  * **Hunt** : Hunting is permitted in undeveloped areas under state regulations. Target shooting is prohibited.
  * **Camp** : While there are no formal campgrounds in the Monument, primitive, dispersed camping is allowed in backcountry areas. Vehicles must stay within 20 feet of the edge of route surfaces. Camping and campfires are prohibited in front-country and developed areas (trails, roads, kiosks, parking areas, etc.) and in archaeological sites.
    * Campfires require the use of firepans and must adhere to current fire restrictions. It is recommended to use lightweight stoves for cooking.
    * Additional information about camping in the Monument is available here: Camping and Occupancy Regulations for Tres Rios Field Office.
  * **Large Groups and Guided Tours****;****School Group Visits**

## Features and Services

  * **Hours and Seasons** : The monument is open year-round, 24-hours per day. Cultural sites may be accessed from dawn to dusk. For Visitor Center hours, see Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum.
  * **Access and Road Conditions** : During dry conditions, a two-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance can navigate most roads in the Monument. However, some roads are dirt and a four-wheel drive vehicle may be necessary, particularly when conditions are wet or icy. RV parking for day use activities is available at the Visitor Center and some trailheads, but access may require high clearance.
  * **Maps and Navigation** : Digital, interactive Canyons of the Ancients and BLM Colorado maps provide useful information for identifying designated routes and avoiding trespassing on private land. Printed maps, including USGS topographic, are available at the Canyons of the Ancients National Museum and Visitor Center.
  * **Cell service** : Reception is strong at the Visitor Center but less reliable elsewhere in the monument.
  * **Toilets** : Toilets are available at the Visitor Center and at Lowry Pueblo.
  * **Drinking water** : Water fountains are available at the Visitor Center.
  * **Pets** : Pets are allowed and must be kept under voice control.

## Be Safe and Prepared

When visiting the Monument, be aware of desert hiking dangers and ensure you
have plenty of water and sun protection. Summer temperatures can soar above
100°F, and elevations range from 4,875 to 6,825 feet. Check local weather and
fire conditions before your visit and be prepared for sudden changes.

<h2>Plan Your Visit</h2><p>Exploring Canyons of the Ancients National Monument offers an unforgettable experience in a rugged desert landscape rich in history and cultural significance. With thousands of cultural sites spread across 176,000 acres, visitors are encouraged to travel respectfully—stay on designated trails, avoid disturbing ancient structures, and leave what you find. These fragile remnants of the past reflect over 12,000 years of connections between people and the land.</p><h2>Things to Do</h2><ul><li><strong>Visit the Interpretive Center</strong>: Start your journey at the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/canyons-ancients-national-monument-visitor-center-and-museum" rel="nofollow">Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum</a>, which features interactive galleries and authentic cultural objects, two on-site Pueblos, and a small gift shop.</li><li><strong>Take a Scenic Drive</strong>: An 88-mile scenic drive that goes around Hovenweep National Monument, managed by the National Park Service, also passes by two BLM sites with accessible trails: <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/lowry-pueblo-national-historic-landmark" rel="nofollow">Lowry Pueblo National Historic Landmark</a> and Painted Hand Pueblo. This driving loop is part of the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway managed by the Colorado Tourism Office.</li><li><strong>Hike and Horseback Ride</strong>: These activities are permitted throughout the Monument, except in the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/blm_co_canm_SandCanyon_RockCreekNewspaper2020.pdf" rel="nofollow">Sand Canyon / Rock Creek Recreation Management Area</a>, where they are restricted to designated routes. There is a corral located off County Road 10, just northeast of BLM Road 4525.  </li><li><strong>Bike or Drive Off Road</strong>: Bikes and OHVs are restricted to designated off-road and trail routes. Phil’s World, located off L and M roads, offers a world class mountain biking trail system.</li><li><strong>Rock Climb</strong>: Climbing (rock climbing, repelling, and/or bouldering) is allowed in designated areas in the Mockingbird Mesa Recreation Management Area.</li><li><strong>Hunt</strong>: Hunting is permitted in undeveloped areas under state regulations. Target shooting is prohibited.</li><li><strong>Camp</strong>: While there are no formal campgrounds in the Monument, primitive, <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping" rel="nofollow">dispersed camping</a> is allowed in backcountry areas. Vehicles must stay within 20 feet of the edge of route surfaces. Camping and campfires are prohibited in front-country and developed areas (trails, roads, kiosks, parking areas, etc.) and in archaeological sites.<ul><li>Campfires require the use of firepans and must adhere to current fire restrictions. It is recommended to use lightweight stoves for cooking.</li><li>Additional information about camping in the Monument is available here: <a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2021-08/Camping%20Regulations%20TRFO_CANM.pdf" rel="nofollow">Camping and Occupancy Regulations for Tres Rios Field Office</a>.</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/canyons-of-the-ancients" rel="nofollow"><strong>Large Groups and Guided Tours</strong></a><strong>; </strong><a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/canyons-of-the-ancients/educators" rel="nofollow"><strong>School Group Visits</strong></a></li></ul><h2>Features and Services</h2><ul><li><strong>Hours and Seasons</strong>: The monument is open year-round, 24-hours per day. Cultural sites may be accessed from dawn to dusk. For Visitor Center hours, see <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/canyons-ancients-national-monument-visitor-center-and-museum" rel="nofollow">Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum</a>.</li><li><strong>Access and Road Conditions</strong>: During dry conditions, a two-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance can navigate most roads in the Monument. However, some roads are dirt and a four-wheel drive vehicle may be necessary, particularly when conditions are wet or icy. RV parking for day use activities is available at the Visitor Center and some trailheads, but access may require high clearance.</li><li><strong>Maps and Navigation</strong>: Digital, interactive Canyons of the Ancients and BLM Colorado maps provide useful information for identifying designated routes and avoiding trespassing on private land. Printed maps, including USGS topographic, are available at the Canyons of the Ancients National Museum and Visitor Center.</li><li><strong>Cell service</strong>: Reception is strong at the Visitor Center but less reliable elsewhere in the monument.</li><li><strong>Toilets</strong>: Toilets are available at the Visitor Center and at Lowry Pueblo.</li><li><strong>Drinking water</strong>: Water fountains are available at the Visitor Center.</li><li><strong>Pets</strong>: Pets are allowed and must be kept under voice control.</li></ul><h2>Be Safe and Prepared</h2><p>When visiting the Monument, be aware of desert hiking dangers and ensure you have plenty of water and sun protection. Summer temperatures can soar above 100°F, and elevations range from 4,875 to 6,825 feet. Check local weather and fire conditions before your visit and be prepared for sudden changes.</p>

Monument access and visitor information and services is free. The Visitor
Center has a small admission fee.

Plan your visit to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Canyon of the Ancients National Monument

Canyons of the Ancients 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>

Bird's eye view of the park

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 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.

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.

## Overview

Hovenweep Campground is nestled within the beautiful, sweeping landscape of
the Colorado Plateau in Southeast Utah, at an elevation of approximately 5300
ft. (1615 m). The campground is located alongside two converging canyons and
is only 1/4 mile (.4 km) from the park's visitor center. Stunning views of
mountains, canyons, and sandstone ledges adorned with desert plants make for a
spectacular camping experience!

Length of stay is limited to seven (7) nights (consecutively or non-
consecutively) in any 30-day period or a total of 14 nights per year.

## 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 (1.5 - 3 m) 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 Campground contains 31 campsites that are available for reservation.
10 sites are RV-specific (including 1 handicap-accessible site), while the
remaining 21 sites have tent pads. Sites provide a wonderful opportunity for a
variety of visitors to stay overnight in a peaceful national monument. The
campground road is a paved, one-way loop with campsites located on the inner
and outer sides, offering a variety of views for campers! Flush toilets are
available, but there are no showers. Drinking water is available from May 1 -
November 1 (water is available at the visitor center year-round). All
campsites contain picnic tables and fire rings with grill grates. All but 4
campsites have shade structures over the picnic tables. The park does not have
dump stations or any hook-ups for RVs. Firewood is not available at the
campground. Trash, recycling bins, and a receptacle for pet waste bags are
located by the restrooms.

## 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 (72 km) 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. (1615 m). The campground is located alongside two converging canyons and is only 1/4 mile (.4 km) 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><p>Length of stay is limited to seven (7) nights (consecutively or non-consecutively) in any 30-day period or a total of 14 nights per year.</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 (1.5 - 3 m) 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 Campground contains 31 campsites that are available for reservation. 10 sites are RV-specific (including 1 handicap-accessible site), while the remaining 21 sites have tent pads. Sites provide a wonderful opportunity for a variety of visitors to stay overnight in a peaceful national monument. The campground road is a paved, one-way loop with campsites located on the inner and outer sides, offering a variety of views for campers! Flush toilets are available, but there are no showers. Drinking water is available from May 1 - November 1 (water is available at the visitor center year-round). All campsites contain picnic tables and fire rings with grill grates. All but 4 campsites have shade structures over the picnic tables. The park does not have dump stations or any hook-ups for RVs. Firewood is not available at the campground. Trash, recycling bins, and a receptacle for pet waste bags are located by the restrooms.</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 (72 km) 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>

A tent pad and covered picnic table with a background of Sleeping Ute mountain range's snow-covered peaks.

Campsites have picnic tables with shade structures

Campsite

Hovenweep Campground has 31 sites

Campground

An ancient masonry structure under a bright blue sky

Tent campsites have picnic tables with shade structures, along with a tent pad.

Tent Campsite

Site specifics and location of all 31 sites within Hovenweep Campground.

Blueprint map of Hovenweep Campground

A Collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) suns on a rock

A turquoise collared lizard suns on a rock

Ancient structures silhouetted against the night sky and the Milky Way. Hovenweep trails close at sunset. Night photography off the paved sidewalk requires a special use permit issued by the superintendent.

Ancient structures silhouetted against the night sky and the Milky Way

Hovenweep Campground

Hovenweep National Monument

The Cajon Unit is one of several outlying units at Hovenweep National Monument.

Cajon Unit

The Holly Group is one of Hovenweep's outlying sites, but worth the drive or hike.

Holly Group

Claretcup Cactus is a common plant at Hovenweep National Monument

Claretcup Cactus

Stronghole House is one of several structures at the Square Tower Group

Stronghold House

Hovenweep National Monument was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2014.

Milky Way at Square Tower Group

Collard lizards are one of many species that call Hovenweep home.

Collared Lizard

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.

Three Kiva Pueblo

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.

Lowry Pueblo National Historic Landmark

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Cross Canyon

Dolores River SRMA

Hovenweep National Monument

Three Kiva Pueblo

Montezuma Canyon