Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities
Three easy-to-moderate loop hiking trails (none longer than 2 miles) leave from near the
ranger station and pass a number of buildings in the Square Tower area. The trails give
both distant and close-up views of the ancient sites whose fragile unstable walls are easily
damaged - please stay on the trail and don't climb on the sites. Visitors are reminded that
all wildlife is protected - including rattlesnakes - but you are more likely to see the irides-
cent collared lizard scampering near the trail. Brochures are available for self-guided tours
and also describe plant life along the trails.
Sleeping
Hovenweep NPS Campground
(tent sites $10)
This campground is about a mile from the ranger station and is open year-
round on a first-come, first-served basis. The 31 sites rarely fill, but are busiest in summer.
There are toilets and picnic facilities. Spring water is available when weather permits,
usually from April to October only.
CAMPGROUND
$
Information
Hovenweep National Monument Ranger Station
(
970-562-4282;
www.nps.gov/hove
; McElmo Rte; vehicles/in-
dividuals $6/3;
8am-6pm Apr-Sep, to 5pm Oct-Mar;
)
Getting There & Away
From US 160/US 666 south of Cortez, turn at the sign for the Cortez Airport onto Monte-
zuma County Rd G, which follows McElmo Canyon east through red-rock country north
of Sleeping Ute Mountain and Ute tribal lands. At the Utah border you cross onto the
Navajo Reservation and can expect sheep, goats or even cattle on the road. A signed road
to the monument turns right (north) from McElmo Creek.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Dolores
POP 933 / ELEV 6936FT
