Hovenweep National Monument

We found the ruins to be very special, though of course not on the size scale of Mesa V or Chaco. Very glad we made the effort to go.

The path around the top of the small canyon is walkable probably even with a cane slowly, but my suggestion is to go to your right after leaving the visitor center..continue halfway and turn back. You will see it from both sides and different sun angles...but a full circuit means very, very rough footing (sliding) down into the canyon and back up. For me it was impassable, so I backtracked, returned the way I came.

We also got directions from the ranger to the El Cajon section...a memorable experience on dirt ad rough rock roads. Very isolated ruins, no one else there or for miles around. Off in the distance you can make out Monument Valley.

By the way, I assume you are going to the Edge of the Cedars state park museum in Blanding. They have some incredible artifacts. The macaw feather cape is amazing.

We did exactly as NCWriter recommended. We thought it well worth the drive.

we camped their for two days and it was great.

Does the CG have electric?

Here's the official web site. Study it for more information and maps. The small campground is mainly for tenters although a few sites will accommodate up to 36' RV. There are no hookups.

On the opening page of this site there is an alert that says do not use your GPS to get there. Use a map.

We explored this park as a day trip.

http://www.nps.gov/hove/planyourvisit/eatingsleeping.htm

NCWriter wrote:
We found the ruins to be very special, though of course not on the size scale of Mesa V or Chaco. Very glad we made the effort to go.

The path around the top of the small canyon is walkable probably even with a cane slowly, but my suggestion is to go to your right after leaving the visitor center..continue halfway and turn back. You will see it from both sides and different sun angles...but a full circuit means very, very rough footing (sliding) down into the canyon and back up. For me it was impassable, so I backtracked, returned the way I came.

We also got directions from the ranger to the El Cajon section...a memorable experience on dirt ad rough rock roads. Very isolated ruins, no one else there or for miles around. Off in the distance you can make out Monument Valley.

Ditto.

Although on a much smaller scale than Mesa Verde, to me Hovenheep was equally fascinating.

Thank you all so much. Yes NCWriter we do plan to stay there and use it as a hub to check out the area. It sounds like I have another place to add to my itinerary

To all interested in SW ancient people and their homes/lives - just finished reading House of Rain by Craig Childs. Very interesting study of the ancient peoples in the SW and what happened and where the went!!

Love Hovenweep. Been there twice. First time the Vis Ctr was a single wide trailer and no trails or anything. There a couple of years ago again and beautiful VC and a great trail around to view things. Well worth the drive.