One of my favorite parks on the Colorado Plateau is Hovenweep National Monument.

Hovenweep is a delight to photograph. Its remote location at the border between Utah and Colorado and its overshadowing neighboring park, Mesa Verde, make sure that this park receives only a trickle of visitors when compared to other places. It is very unlikely that you get much disturbance during your photo session and if you do, you can easily outwait everyone.

Dani finally analyzed my feelings correctly, after I stumbled through Mesa Verde with an average mood one day and suddenly lit up with delight when we visited Hovenweep the other day. Mesa Verda does not leave much to creativity. You hold your camera into the hole and that is that. Photos either look good or they do not, but your influence on the outcome is limited.

Hovenweep is different. You can have fun with compositions, go crazy with foregrounds and backgrounds, try weird twisted angles, and never tire of the limitless options that this small park offers.

Little Ruin Canyon

Start your visit at the ranger station. Just behind the station lies Little Ruin Canyon that offers the most accessible and some of the best-preserved ruins in the park (picture below). The ranger station has a trail guide for Little Ruin Canyon and updates on the road conditions for the other groups in the park.

A trail leads around Little Ruin Canyon with plenty of compositions waiting for you. Obviously, you cannot climb on the ruins and I strongly discourage you from doing so. Too many sites have been closed to tourism or access has been restricted due to vandalism. All of the ruins sit on the edge of the rocks, with a steep cliff right next to them. Please be careful, I know how exciting it can get when you are in the zone and only have eyes for your composition. It is too easy to forget that it takes just one more step to fall.

Holly Group / Horseshoe & Hackberry Group

You should plan sufficient time to visit some of the outlier groups. Hovenweep is split into several separate canyons (groups), each with a very distinct character. The picture at the top of the article is from Horseshoe Canyon.

There are no rangers here, but the rules still apply. Tread lightly and preserve these treasures for future generations. Observe all rules, so that the park service will keep these units open for everyone to enjoy. Usually, photographers have no trouble, since we only take pictures.

A snow-capped mountain creates a wonderful backdrop for Horsehoe and Hackberry group, while the Boulder House of Holly Group is fascinating by itself.

Next time you visit this area of the Colorado Plateau, plan one extra day to see Hovenweep National Monument. I promise that it is worth your time.