Hovenweep National Monument

"Hovenweep National Monument protects 6 pueblo communities, the remains of homes, ceremonial kivas, and mysterious towers whose functions are still unknown to archaeologists. It’s a 2-hour drive from Moab, Utah to Hovenweep. If you have a National Park Pass, you can enter for free, otherwise, it’s $20 per vehicle. Named after the Ute word “Hovenweep,” meaning “deserted valley,” the monument is renowned for its remarkable prehistoric Puebloan ruins. The ancestral Puebloans settled in this area around 800 AD and flourished for several centuries, creating a network of multi-story towers, pueblos, and cliff dwellings. These structures, showcasing exceptional stone masonry and architectural prowess, served both as living spaces and defensive fortifications. By the late 1200s, the ancestral Puebloans abandoned Hovenweep for reasons still debated by archaeologists. In 1923, Hovenweep was designated as a national monument, preserving its enigmatic past and allowing modern-day visitors to marvel at the ingenuity and cultural heritage of the ancient Puebloans."

"Very hot during the summer! Make sure to depart early to get in the main hike before the sun is in full force. "