Hovenweep

Hovenweep National Monument is a protected area administered by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. It preserves a significant concentration of Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites, primarily in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah. The name "Hovenweep" is from the Ute language and means "deserted valley." The monument protects over 1,200 structures, including pueblos, towers, and ceremonial sites, dating from approximately 1200 to 1300 CE. These structures are notable for their sophisticated masonry and their strategic locations on canyon rims and heads. Key sites within the monument include Square Tower, Hovenweep Castle, and Holly and Hackberry. The Ancestral Puebloans who built these sites were agriculturalists, relying on dry farming techniques to cultivate corn, beans, and squash in the arid environment. Their departure from the region around 1300 CE is thought to be linked to a combination of factors, including prolonged drought, resource depletion, and social pressures. Today, Hovenweep offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of these ancient people through its well-preserved ruins and the dramatic desert landscape. Hiking trails provide access to many of the archeological sites, allowing for exploration and appreciation of the ingenuity and resilience of the Ancestral Puebloan culture.