HOVENWEEP NATIONAL MONUMENT - COLORADO

Today was a beautiful day in Cortez, Colorado with sunny, blue skies and bit warmer temperatures. We took the recommended loop drive around the Canyons of the Ancients to visit Lowry Pueblo, Hovenweep and the Four Corners Monument.

Hovenweep protects some of the finest examples of ancient stone architecture.  The inhabitants were part of the large farming culture that lived in the area from 500 BC until AD 1300.  Their well-preserved stone towers and pueblo-style buildings perch on large boulders and canyon rims.  It's a place of undeveloped natural beauty and solitude.

This kiva was a room used for religious rituals and
political meetings

During our travels today we saw wild horses, included two dead ones, herds of sheep and cattle.  I was amazing by how much open, undeveloped country there is here.

They call this one Hovenweep Castle

Our last stop was a tourist trap but we went anyways.  The native Indian's charge $5 per person to see the Four Corners Memorial and they also want you to spend more money at the local vendors there.

Doing the downward dog in 4 states

Another full day for us and we'll be packing up tomorrow heading to another new adventure.  Thanks for stopping in to say hi.