Hovenweep National Monument is located about 42 miles west of Cortez, CO. Hovenweep is actually the combination of several adjacent monuments. Hovenweep as one national monument came into existence in 1992 when paved roads gave easy access to the area.

You start out from just south of Cortez, CO on highway 160/666. Near the airport, turn onto road G (watch for the signs for Hovenweep). The posted speed limit is 40 MPH. Continue watching for signs as you will turn 3 - 4 more times before actually getting to the Hovenweep Visitor Center. The road to Hovenweep passes through basically desert terrain with sort-of-mountains along the way. At times you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. Actually, you are!!!

The Visitor Center has a short video of the area. Then you can walk around the canyon (two miles) and see the various building remnants. If you go clockwise around the canyon, you see the buildings first, then you walk across/through the canyon (be prepared to climb). If you gl clockwise, you get to do the canyon lcimbing first.

Wear sunscreen and take some water along with you -- if appropriate for the day.