Getting to the trailhead: To reach the Hovenweep Visitor Center from Cortez, drive north on U.S. 491 (shown on older maps as 666) for 18 miles. Turn left (west) on County Road BB and drive 6 miles to the intersection with County Road 10. Turn left (south) on County Road 10 and drive 20 miles to the Hovenweep National Monument headquarters and visitor center sign. Turn left and drive 0.4 miles to the parking area.
To reach the Horseshoe/Hackberry Trailhead: From the visitor center, return to County Road 10 and drive 4 miles to a turnoff. Turn right (south) and drive 1 mile farther to the trailhead.
To reach the Cutthroat Group Trailhead from the Horseshoe/Hackberry Trailhead: Drive back to the junction with County Road 10, turn right and drive 4.5 miles to a turnoff. Turn right (south) and drive 1.7 miles on the rough road to the parking area.
More info: The monument offers short, easy hikes at each of the areas described here. Access to the Square Tower Group and visitor center is on paved roads, while the Holly, Horseshoe/ Hackberry and Cutthroat Castle groups are reached on sometimes rough, dirt roads. These roads can be impassable when wet, and the rangers recommend high-clearance vehicles when dry. The best time to visit the monument is spring and fall. Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees.
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A $5 per-vehicle entrance fee, good for one week and payable at the visitor center, is charged for admission to the Hovenweep National Monument.
