Hovenweep National Monument

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.

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

Does the CG have electric?

we camped their for two days and it was great.

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

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 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.