Overview

Hype:

This trail begins at the Canyon Overlook and loops around Little Ruin Canyon. The loop trail is primitive, passing over slickrock and packed dirt, and is lined with rock. As you wind around the canyon, you pass within 5-10 feet of most of the Square Tower Group structures, allowing an uninterrupted and natural view of these architectural wonders. Part of the trail enters and exits the canyon to loop back to the Canyon Overlook, with steep elevation changes. A trail guide (free) is available in the visitor center. Tower Point section can be added to this trail. This trail can is also be broken into sections to allow for time or mobility constraints.

Trail Condition: Class 1 (Trail is either paved or gravel. Navigation skills are not needed because there is only one trail or because there are signs. Elevation gains are gradual or there are stairs.)

Time: 30-90 minutes

Length: 1.2 mile loop

Elevation Gain: 100 ft

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.nps.gov/hove/planyourvisit/hiking.htm

Getting There

Navigate to 37.383537, -109.075705.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Hovenweep National Monument

Coordinates: 37.383537, -109.075705

Interactive Guide Map

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Brochure

July 5, 2019 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Killian Wagner,

Story

On Friday went headed over to Hovenweep National Monument. We stopped at Lowry Pueblo (part of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument) on the way. Then we dropped in at the Hovenweep National Monument Visitor Center. We were hoping to visit several of the different groups, but we didn't realize that the roads out to the different groups required high clearance, so we were in the van, which meant that we will have to visit the other groups on a different trip. 

We were concerned that the kids wouldn't be up to a long hike, so Tara and the kids watched the video at the visitor center while Ondy and I hiked out to the Canyon Overlook and around the Square Tower Loop Trail. Tara also helped the kids with their Junior Ranger booklets and got lunch ready. After Ondy and I finished our hike, we met back up at the visitor center and ate lunch. The kids had to do a hike for their Junior Ranger program, so we all decided to hike out to the Canyon Overlook. Since the other Hovenweep groups required high clearance, we had plenty of time at the Square Tower Group, so we decided to do part of the Square Tower Loop Trail with the kids as well. Tara went around the full loop by herself while Ondy and I took the kids part way around the loop. We made it as far as the Stronghold House before we turned around. Then we all met back at the visitor center.

We bought a National Parks puzzle at the visitor center, then we went back to the hotel to swam and take it easy.

Pictures