Hike of the week: Main Rim Trail Loop, Hovenweep National Monument

Little Ruin Canyon was home to Paleo-Indian hunters and eventually known as the ancestral Pueblo people. They used checkdams for irrigating corn, beans, squash and other small crops in this lively community. Hovenweep was abandoned by the late 1200s, but today their dwellings stand tall in this arid region of Utah. Start your Hovenweep adventure at the Visitor Center. After paying your entrance fee, the park ranger will give you a trail map and answer all your questions. From the visitors center, the trail is wheelchair accessible to the canyon rim. At the canyon, I decided to start the loop clockwise and do the steepest section first. The rest of the trail is virtually flat along the canyon rim. The trail drops with views of Stronghold House to the bottom of the canyon. Your heart rate will climb as you climb the trail stairs to the other side. Catch your breath, then stroll the rim and take time viewing these beautiful towers. After Hovenweep Castle, be sure to take the loop trail to Tower Point ruin. There are several sitting benches along the trail to contemplate life of the ancestral Pueblo people. Take plenty of water and enjoy.

Directions: South of Blanding on Highway 191, take state Route 262 and follow the signs to Hovenweep.

Destination: Ruins loop

Difficulty: Easy

Round trip: 2 miles

Hiking time: 1 to 2 hours

Elevation gain: N/A

Trailhead restrooms: Yes

Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash

Entrance fee: $6