Hovenweep National Monument was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2014.
Photo: NPS Photo / Jacob W. Frank
About
Hovenweep preserves six prehistoric sites built between A.D. 1200 and 1300 which may have served as ceremonial centers. Explore a variety of structures, including multistory towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders. The construction and attention to detail will leave you marveling at the skill and motivation of the builders.
Activities
AstronomyStargazingCampingHikingJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park Store
Directions
Do not use GPS to find your way. There are numerous paved and dirt roads intersecting each other in this remote corner of Utah. The Hovenweep Visitor Center is located 40-45 miles from Cortez, Colorado, and Blanding and Bluff, Utah. Follow driving directions on our webpage.
Get directions →Weather
Hovenweep is part of the Colorado Plateau, a "high desert" region that experiences wide temperature fluctuations, sometimes over 40 degrees in a single day. The temperate (and most popular) seasons are spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October), when daytime highs average 60 to 80 F and lows average 30 to 50 F. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 F, making strenuous exercise difficult. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50 F, and lows averaging 0 to 20 F.
News
Sep 3, 2026
Fire Restrictions Rescinded in Southeast Utah Group Parks
Due to lower temperatures accompanied by higher humidity, fire danger has moderated across southeastern Utah. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 4, Arches and Canyonlands national parks, along with Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments, will rescind fire restrictions.
Aug 28, 2026
Call for 2027 Community Artist in the Parks
The Southeast Utah Group of parks will accept applications for the 2027 Community Artist in the Parks (CAIP) program September 1 to September 30, 2026.
Jun 23, 2026
Fire Restrictions Increase in Southeast Utah Group Parks
Fire danger is increasing in southeastern Utah due to prolonged drought and rising temperatures. On Friday June 26, 2026, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument will increase fire restrictions.