Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Hovenweep National Monument straddles the border between southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah. Known for the six groups of Ancestral Puebloan villages, the monument's most striking feature is its ancient towers, some perfectly symmetrical, others leaning at odd angles. The geography is characterized by dry mesa tops, deep canyons, and unique rock formations—providing a habitat for a variety of desert flora and fauna. The land was used by the Ancestral Puebloans for centuries, likely from A.D. 1200 to 1300, and then eventually abandoned. Visitors can explore hiking trails that lead to various ruins, most prominently the Square Tower Group, where the largest concentration of structures can be found. Besides its rich historical allure, Hovenweep offers stargazing opportunities due to its remote, undeveloped surroundings.
