No lodging, food, gasoline, supplies, or even public phones are available in the national monument. The closest motels and restaurants are in Bluff and Blanding, Utah; or Cortez, Colorado.
Getting There/Access Points
You can get to Hovenweep's Square Tower Site, where the visitor center is located, via paved roads from either Colorado or Utah. From Utah, follow U.S. 191, southeastern Utah's major north-south route, to Utah 262, between the towns of Blanding and Bluff. Head east on Utah 262 to Hatch Trading Post; then, watching for signs, follow paved roads to the monument. One option is to take Utah 163 east from Bluff toward the village of Aneth, turn north (left) onto an unnamed paved road, and follow signs to the monument.
From Cortez, Colorado, follow U.S. 491 (formerly U.S. 666) north to the community of Pleasant View and turn west (left) onto dirt and gravel roads, following signs to the monument.
Visitor Information
For advance information or questions about current road conditions, contact Hovenweep National Monument, McElmo Route, Cortez, CO 81321 (tel. 970/562-4282; www.nps.gov/hove).
Fees, Hours, Regulations & Safety
Entry to the national monument is $6 per vehicle or $3 per person. The monument is open 24 hours a day, but trails are open from sunrise to sunset only. The visitor center, with exhibits, restrooms, and drinking water, is open daily from 8am to 6pm in spring and summer and 8am to 5pm fall and winter.
Regulations are much the same here as at most National Park Service properties, with an emphasis on taking care not to damage archaeological sites. Summer temperatures can reach 100°F (38°C) and water supplies are limited; bring your own and carry a canteen, even on short walks. In late spring, gnats can be a real nuisance, so take insect repellent. Dogs are permitted on trails.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
