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.

Bird's eye view of the park

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.

Three Kiva Pueblo

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

Discover the past at this family-friendly museum complex that houses the
largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan pottery and relics in southeastern
Utah. Edge of the Cedars includes an excavated and restored kiva (a partially
subterranean ceremonial room within a pueblo), giving visitors a glimpse into
the ancient life of Anasazi lifestyle and architecture.

As you travel through the park, you will get to check out petroglyphs,
Puebloan basketry, jewelry, pottery, tools, a Horse Rock Ruin basketry
collection, a Macaw feather sash and more. The museum is an excellent stop on
Utah's Road to Mighty and the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, especially
when combined with nearby Hovenweep National Monument, Cedar Mesa cliff
dwellings and Natural Bridges National Monument.

Discover the past at this family-friendly museum complex that houses the largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan pottery and relics in southeastern Utah. Edge of the Cedars includes an excavated and restored kiva (a partially subterranean ceremonial room within a pueblo), giving visitors a glimpse into the ancient life of Anasazi lifestyle and architecture.
<p>
As you travel through the park, you will get to check out petroglyphs, Puebloan basketry, jewelry, pottery, tools, a Horse Rock Ruin basketry collection, a Macaw feather sash and more. The museum is an excellent stop on Utah's Road to Mighty and the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, especially when combined with nearby Hovenweep National Monument, Cedar Mesa cliff dwellings and Natural Bridges National Monument.

$5/person $3/Children and Utah seniors (62 and older)

Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum

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

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.

Montezuma Canyon

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Three Kiva Pueblo

Cross Canyon

Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum

Hovenweep National Monument

Lowry Pueblo National Historic Landmark