Ancient Ruins

Hovenweep National Monument was a special place we found while on a previous trip to Utah and Colorado. We wanted to share the thrill of it with our friends Terry, Sandra, Sammy, and Cindy, who we met up with while traveling in this area. We were surprised to see the parking lot almost full, which was so different than the last time we stopped. That time we were only the second visitors of the day at 4:00 in the afternoon. This was a much warmer and sunnier day, and we meandered along the rim trail at the top of the canyon, where we were able to breathe in the scents of spring, marvel at the ancient ruins, and be on the lookout for blooms and lizards.

There is a quote from Rina Swentzell, a Pueblo Indian Scholar, on a sign outside the Visitor Center that describes what we experience here. "I think that Hovenweep is the most symbolic of places in the Southwest...Hovenweep gives me a feeling similar to what I feel then I’m participating in ceremonies which require a tacit recognition of realities other than the blatantly visual. During those times I know the nature and energy of the bear, of the rock, of the clouds, of the water. I become aware of energies outside myself, outside the human context. At Hovenweep, I slide into a place and begin to know the flowing, warm sandstone underneath my feet, the cool preciousness of the water, the void of the canyon, and the all covering sky. I want to be a part of the place.”

Stay tuned, there are more posts about this extraordinary place to come. Once parting from our friends, we stopped at sites we overlooked last time, as we now have a much more capable vehicle.

To the east, Sleeping Ute Mountain rises peacefully above the canyons.

Hovenweep Castle was named for it shape and size, but it was not for kings or queens. It was most likely a residence for farmers.

The Square Tower stands on the canyon floor, below the Castle and the Hovenweep House. It is two-stories high and has a slight spiral or twisted shape. Hovenweep House was the center of one of the largest Pueblo villages in the canyon.

Known as the Stronghold House, what you see here is what remains of the upper story of a larger pueblo that was built along the slope below. They do not believe is was used for defense, even though its appearance is fortress like.

The Twin Towers had sixteen rooms. Their construction is detailed and precise and are among the most carefully constructed building in the entire Southwest

Above: Tom and Sammy reflect of the view.

Left: Terry and Sandra winding their way along the trail.

Below: The party of six going down the trail with the clouds threatening is the west.

White Dune Buckwheat, Purple Beardtongue Penstemon, Cactus Blooms, & Curly fringe on the Yucca. Sandra saw a Collared Lizard as we were heading back. They are quite colorful and look like a child's toy, until they move.

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