Hovenweep National Monument

National Monument · CO, UT · nps.gov page

Tall stone structures with a setting sun shining through them. Desert landscape surrounds them.
Sunset of the Summer Solstice at Hovenweep CastlePhoto: NPS/Chris Wonderly

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.

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News

  • campers sit around a campfire in a fire ring while a standing person pours water onto it
    Fire Restrictions Rescinded in Southeast Utah Group Parks

    Due to lower temperatures accompanied by higher humidity, fire danger has moderated across southeastern Utah. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 4, Arches and Canyonlands national parks, along with Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments, will rescind fire restrictions.

  • adult and child draw a stone arch on paper with brightly colored markers, red dirt in background
    Call for 2027 Community Artist in the Parks

    The Southeast Utah Group of parks will accept applications for the 2027 Community Artist in the Parks (CAIP) program September 1 to September 30, 2026.

  • Wildfire smoke blankets a canyon landscape
    Fire Restrictions Increase in Southeast Utah Group Parks

    Fire danger is increasing in southeastern Utah due to prolonged drought and rising temperatures. On Friday June 26, 2026, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument will increase fire restrictions.

Photos

a stone structure resting on a cliff edge
Stronghole House is one of several structures at the Square Tower GroupPhoto: NPS Photo / Andrew Kuhn
a stone structure at night with the Milky Way arcing overhead
Hovenweep National Monument was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2014.Photo: NPS Photo / Jacob W. Frank
a stone structure with blue sky and clouds overhead
The Cajon Unit is one of several outlying units at Hovenweep National Monument.Photo: NPS Photo / Neal Herbert
remains of a stone structure with wood beams on the edge of a canyon
The Holly Group is one of Hovenweep's outlying sites, but worth the drive or hike.Photo: NPS photo
Reddish-orange sandstone wall with petroglyphs etched into it
The Holly Petroglyph Panel is often called the solstice panel.Photo: NPS/Chris Wonderly

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.