We had a bad storm our first night in Mesa Verde (glad we were not in a tent). The next day was going to rain all day so we checked weather and decided to do a mini road trip. It wasn’t raining to the west of us so we decided to visit 2 national monuments we have not seen before: Canyons of the Ancients and Hovenweep.
CANYONS OF THE ANCIENTS NATIONAL MONUMENT
These 174,000 acres became a national monument in 2000 and contain the highest known archaeological site density in the United States. It is estimated the area contains up to 30,000 sites.
PAINTED HAND PUEBLO
Painted hand pueblo dates to the 13th century
We were the only one’s there.
HOVENWEEP NATIONAL MONUMENT, UTAH
Hovenweep includes 6 prehistoric villages built between 1200 and 1300 AD. It was home to an estimated 2500 people. The people left by the end of the 13th century. This was potentially due to drought, resource depletion, and warfare.
RUINS TRAIL
This is called the twin towers
Hovenweep Castle.
square tower
We loved the trail, ruins and views
THANKS FOR VISITING, STEVE