Hovenweep

(nr Montezuma Creek UT)
Hovenweep National Monument was way out into the desert and featured preserved native pueblo ruins atop Cajón Mesa. Most structures were built along the rim of the canyon, and a few in the gorge.

Ruins of stone dwelling

Hovenweep Castle

I hiked the rim trail that goes around the gorge passing several stone structures. Most were in decay, but the careful stone masonry was impressive. The trail went down into the gorge, and then up the other side.

Square structure in gorge

Square Tower

Dwelling built inside a boulder

Boulder House

Archeologists believe it was once a thriving farming and trade community. Eventually, due to drought or depleted resources, they migrated into New Mexico and Arizona. The Visitor Center had a nice film about the area.

Two side-by-side stone towers

Twin Towers

Rock formations with deep blue sky

Canyon of the Ancients

Plans had been to boondock at a BLM site afterward at the edge of Canyon of the Ancients. But, it turned out to not be suitable. So, I ended up going all the way into Cortez CO. There, I restocked the pantry, got gas, and caught up on the internet.

Camp: Overnight at Walmart
Scene: Desert, mesas, gorge, ruins

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8 Responses to Hovenweep

  1. gumo October 5, 2014 at 5:22 pm #

    Very nice. Looks like the weather was beautiful, too. Thanks for posting.

    • Pleinguy October 5, 2014 at 6:18 pm #

      Yes. The weather was nice for a change. Appreciate the comment.

  2. Dizzy-Dick October 5, 2014 at 6:49 pm #

    That “boulder house” is fascinating. How did they ever get it carved out like that? Surely that couldn’t be natural? Great pictures.

    • Pleinguy October 5, 2014 at 11:35 pm #

      Really don’t know. It is in the gorge and inaccessible, so couldn’t get a close look.

  3. Gary Wood October 6, 2014 at 12:24 am #

    Nice trip and great pictures. I am adding this as a side trip to my Bucket List when visiting that area. Thanks for sharing and the info on camping close by.

    • Pleinguy October 6, 2014 at 2:38 am #

      Thanks. There is more to see than what I ventured. And, there is a campground in the park. But, I prefer boondocking.

  4. Gypsy October 6, 2014 at 1:34 am #

    When I’m looking at the southwestern parks I always add Hovenweep to the list, although it doesn’t get the publicity that the others do. I think I’d like it very much, from looking at your photos.

    • Pleinguy October 6, 2014 at 2:39 am #

      The Rim Trail hike is pretty easy and takes you past most of the ruins. A couple of miles away, there are more ruins. And, more still at the adjacent Canyon of the Ancients.

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