Hovenweep Campground

• All sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, including same-day bookings (if available).

Cajon Unit

Cajon is Hovenweep's least-visited unit, but often a ranger's favorite. The solitude only adds to Cajon's charm and the site is easily seen from a short walk. Also seen are Four Corners landmarks like Shiprock, Bears Ears, and Monument Valley.

• A small group of structures situated at the head of a small canyon. Under a ledge in the canyon below are several small structures. Then as you look at the western slope of the canyon you can see the remains of a circular tower that conforms to the shape of three large, irregular boulders.

Cutthroat Castle

Cutthroat Castle is Hovenweep's northernmost unit. Surrounded by pinyon pine and desert views, the community is unique in its amount of kivas compared to other structures.

• Located downstream of the canyon head are four towers, three round and one square.

Eroded Boulder House View

Eroded Boulder House is a favorite among visitors - this view allows you to see the structure head on from the opposite side of the canyon.

• From the viewing area, a small stone structure is visible tucked underneath and around a large boulder across the canyon. Rubble sits atop the boulder. Other stone towers and structures are visible on the rim across the canyon.

Hackberry Unit

Hackberry Unit has the least amount of standing structures, but was probably the largest community in Hovenweep.

• Along the canyon rim are a few standing stone walls and many more mounds of stone rubble. Desert plants like sage and juniper have grown among the remains of Hackberry's community.

Holly House

Holly House is part of Holly Unit, one of Hovenweep's outlying communities. The structure sits on the rim of Keeley canyon at the canyon head, next to Holly Tower and Tilted Tower.

• Located on the west rim of the canyon are two structures, one circular and one rectangular. The rectangular structure to the right is Holly House and you can see two wooden beams at the top of the structure.

Holly Petroglyph Panel

This petroglyph panel is the only panel in the park visible from trail. It also marks the summer solstice.

• Located further up the trail, past Holly House, are two large boulders sitting just below the Canyon Rim. On the boulder face are several petroglyphs, including spirals and concentric circles.

Holly Tower

Holly Tower is iconic and even featured on Hovenweep's International Dark Sky Park postcard. The tower seems to have been built without scaffolding, from the inside out. If your vehicle can make the road to Holly Unit, Holly Tower is a must-see.

• A multi-storied tower situated on top of a large sandstone boulder in the canyon bottom. The door on the tower faces the canyon rim and below it you can see steps and hand-holds pecked into the boulder.

Horseshoe House

Horseshoe House is the largest standing structure in the Horseshoe Unit, and also what the unit is named after.

• A D-shaped structure situated along the canyon rim. Inside Horseshoe House, the remains of an interior round structure can be seen.

Horseshoe Tower

Horseshoe Tower is the first structure you'll see along the Horseshoe / Hackberry Trail. Take a moment to enjoy the view the people who used this structure enjoyed - a sweeping view of what is now Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

• A circular tower situated on the canyon point

Hovenweep Castle

The most popular structure in the monument, Hovenweep Castle is featured everywhere the monument is mentioned. If you can muster the 1 mile roundtrip hike from the visitor center, this ancestral Puebloan structure is a must-see.

• A large structure with multiple floors and sections, some walls crumbling and loose rock around the base. To the right, a large, semicircle structure stands tall. Rectangular walls frame the structure to the left.

Hovenweep House

Hovenweep House does not have the same fame as Hovenweep Castle, but may have actually been the larger complex in the Square Tower Group. Hovenweep House is perched on the canyon rim above Square Tower and completes the canyon head view.

• A one-room rectangular structure perched next to the canyon rim. The structure is surrounded by rubble of shaped stones.

Rimrock House

While Rimrock House may not be the destination, is certainly is a worthwhile part of the journey. In pondering the purpose of these ancestral Puebloan structures, consider that Rimrock House was probably not a house at all. The structure has no room dividers within, but still boasts a rim-side perch.

• Remains of a two-story rectangular stone structure situated along the canyon rim.

Square Tower

Square Tower, for which the structure group is named, sits at the canyon head. This tall, this tower has mystified archeologists, rangers, and visitors alike. Why was it built? Whatever the answer may be, we can all appreciate the tower’s expert craftmanship and the skill of the masons who built it.

• Viewed from the rim, a tall and thin stone tower rises from the canyon floor.

Stronghold House

The first ancestral Puebloan structure you’ll see in Square Tower Group. Perched at the mouth of the canyon, Stronghold House looks a formidable sight. The name is indicative of its placing and appearance, but we don’t know its actual use.

• From the paved overlook, a rectangular stone structure sits perched on a boulder to your left. To the right, the remains of a circular stone structure is perched on the canyon rim. The overlook is on the rim of a shallow, thin canyon. Other stone structures are visible around the canyon rim. A wayside shows an image of the canyon with structure names labeled.

Tilted Tower

Tilted Tower is the first structure you see when hiking from the Holly parking area. The Tower used to stand tall on the canyon rim, but crumbled sometime after the ancestral Puebloans left the area. Now, only the foundation remains, glued to the tilted boulder just below the rim.

• The foundation layer of a stone structure sits on a tilted boulder, with rubble below.

Tower Point

A popular photo spot, Tower Point is accessed via a short side trail from the main loop. The trail is close to the tower, and the point gives fantastic views of the canyon and Sleeping Ute Mountain.

• The remains of a round stone tower at the junction of two canyons. Stone structures along the canyon rim are visible from here, as well as a jagged line of mountains in the east.

Twin Towers

Twin Towers is a famous set of structures in the Square Tower Group. Easily studied from the overlook, this pair of ancestral Puebloan structures were constructed less than one foot apart on the canyon rim.

• Two D-shaped towers situated next to each other along the canyon rim, their walls almost touching.

Unit Type House

Unit Type House is the name archaeologists gave to a basic building plan they noticed early on at sites in the Southwest. This one is a perfect example – a few living and storage rooms and one kiva – possibly home to a family or a clan.

• A standing wall of a structure overlooking the canyon.

Hovenweep Visitor Center

• Hovenweep Visitor Center
• The visitor center should be your starting place for any visit to Hovenweep. Rangers are available to answer questions and provide guidance on the best way to visit the monument. Restrooms, bookstore sales, and exhibits are available.

• Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah
• Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. Learn about what to expect and check out a schedule of stargazing events at Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments. Even when formal programs are not offered, people are welcome to enjoy the parks after dark on their own.

• Hike the Holly Trail
• The Holly Trail (8 miles, roundtrip) offers the chance to explore away from roads and busier trails and stretch your legs with a longer hike. Gain new perspective as you traverse a canyon floor, squeeze through slot canyons, and take the long way around. At the end, your reward is reaching the towering remains and petroglyphs at the Holly Group.

• Hike the Square Tower Group Loop Trail
• Explore the ancestral Pueblo world with a hike around the Square Tower Group. Follow the two-mile, primitive loop trail along the canyon rim to see the famous Square Tower, Hovenweep Castle, and eight other standing structures. A trail guide offers insight into the ancestral Puebloan lifestyle in Little Ruin Canyon. Just steps from your vehicle, you can enjoy sweeping vistas, ancient dwellings, and the silence of centuries.

• Walk to the Square Tower Group Overlook
• Take a paved trail to this canyon overlook and see what Hovenweep has to offer! Sweeping views of sage country and ancestral Puebloan structures are just yards away from the visitor center. This trail is perfect for any season or time of day and for anyone hoping to get a good view of Hovenweep without much time or distance.

Hovenweep in a Hurry

Most of our visitors only stay in the park for an hour or two. If you’re one of them, this tour is for you! Hovenweep in a Hurry is a guided hike to Hovenweep Castle via Tower Point, 1.5 miles roundtrip and all on the canyon rim. Bring water and wear walking shoes and sun protection. As you go, this tour will give you a brief overview of the ancestral Puebloan people who called this canyon home. At the end of the tour, simply retrace your steps back along the trail to the visitor center.