Hovenweep Castle Hike, Hovenweep National Monument

June 28, 2023 

We decided to take a family trip to 4-corners monument, Hovenweep National Monument, and Mesa Verde National Park. After stopping at 4-corners, Hovenweep was our next stop and we decided to take a quick hike to see some of the ruins. We stopped at the Visitor Center to have our passports stamped but it was closed. The trail we wanted to take, the Hovenweep Castle Trail, was also located just behind the Visitor Center so we found it and headed on our way. The hike takes to past several old ruins from a Unit-Type structure to a structure built across the gully under an eroding boulder, and finally to the Hovenweep Castle. The trail is very well maintained and easy to follow and should pose little to no difficulty to even the most novice hikers. It is really more like a walk on a dirt trail. There is very minimal elevation gain and loss and even at the end of June in the 90 degree heat, it wasn't a problem for myself, my 16 year old, 14 year old, or my 9 year old. When we got back to the Visitor Center, we got a drink from the drinking fountain. The hike was a little under a mile long and took us about an hour at our leisurely pace.

Here are some pictures of the hike, ruins, and the trail:

Here's a look at one of the first ruins you come to - the Eroded Boulder Houe. It is across the gully.

A very short distance away is the Unit Type House which is closer on the same side of the gully, but roped off so you can't go in it.

Here's a look at the trail just past the Unit Type House on the way to the Hovenweep Castle. As you can see there is no shade so if attempting this hike in the summer and the heat bothers you, wear a hat, long sleeves, and bring plenty of water. 

A look at Hovenweep Castle...

Here's another look at the Hovenweep Castle with another ruin just off to the right. We didn't hike to this one, but it was a very short hike to get over to it.

The trail does a loop and comes back to a sign that points out many of the ruins along the Canyon.

Back at the Visitor Center after the hike was finished.