Finding adventure in Utah often means doing little more than lacing up our hiking boots for a day outdoors. Utah’s home to quite a few Puebloan ruins that give us an insightful glimpse into life more than 2,000 years ago. Journey back thousands of years when you embark on the Hovenweep Ruins Trail, which leads to Puebloan village ruins in Utah. It’s definitely one of those hikes to add to the bucket list.
Snuggled right along the Utah-Colorado border, Hovenweep National Monument in Montezuma Creek is home to the ruins of a prehistoric village that dates back as far 1300 AD.
All Trails/Robert Greer
The village, dotted with towers and structures sat on boulders, once housed some 2,500 people, a thriving spot until the 13th century. Experts believe residents deserted the area after a long and difficult drought.
All Trails/Groovy Gwen
Centuries later, in the mid-1800s, explorers would stumble upon the abandoned village. In 1923, President Harding added Hovenweep to the National Park System.
All Trails/Seth E. Barlow
Today, the National Park System recommends hiking as the easiest and best way to see the ancient Puebloan ruins. The Hovenweep Ruins Trail, an easy trail that spans just 1.6 miles, leads to…
All Trails/Brian Mauer
…the ruins of 11 structures. However, you’ll have to follow a few rules set by the National Park Service. You can’t, for example, touch any of the structures, and you must stay on the trail at all times.
All Trails/Brian Mauer
Definitely bring your camera and plenty of water for your trek. If you’re visiting in the summer, expect it to get hot as there’s no shade along the path.
All Trails/Beth Malachowsky
Don’t worry too much if the visitor center isn’t open during your visit. You can learn quite a bit from the informational placards along the way.
All Trails/Stewart Cairns
Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, too. You never know when a rabbit will hop across your path or a lizard will scurry by.
All Trails/Stewart Cairns
Stop by the official website of The National Park Service for more information on Hovenweep National Monument and to plan your visit. You can find a trail map on All Trails.
All Trails/Robert Neal
Have you seen these Puebloan village ruins in Utah? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Up for more exploration? Here are eight Puebloan ruins that will transport you to the past.
All Trails/Robert Greer
All Trails/Groovy Gwen
All Trails/Seth E. Barlow
All Trails/Brian Mauer
All Trails/Beth Malachowsky
All Trails/Stewart Cairns
All Trails/Robert Neal
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Montezuma Creek, UT 84534, USA
