Superintendent's Compendium

Hovenweep National Monument

November 2024

Superintendent's Compendium of designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Hovenweep National Monument. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

Approved by: Lena Pace, Superintendent, 14 November 2024

 

 

I. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES

(a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:

Visiting Hours:

• The visitor center is open daily during the core hours of 9am – 4pm from mid-April to mid-October. The visitor center will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays from mid-October through mid-April. These hours may be reduced or extended depending on staffing levels. The visitor center is closed on the federal holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days.
• Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. These times will be determined by the Skywatcher’s Almanac for Hovenweep National Monument, 37° 22’ North Latitude, 109° 7’ West Longitude, published annually by Astronomical Data Service, P.O. Box 26180, Colorado Springs, CO 80936.
• The paved sidewalk leading from the visitor center to the overlook at Stronghold House is open 24 hours, 7 days/week. The Little Ruin Canyon / Square Tower trail, beginning at the overlook, is closed sunset to sunrise.
• Overnight camping/parking is only allowed in the campground, open year-round.

This restriction has been implemented in order to protect park resources from unregulated overnight camping. Overnight parking with a vehicle is defined as camping which is accompanied by human waste, light pollution affecting dark night sky, pets, and other potential impacts. In addition, there is no backcountry camping allowed in the monument hence no need for overnight parking.

Closures:

• Public use is restricted to established trails, roads and parking areas, the campground and visitor center. At the Square Tower Unit, public access below the rim is allowed only when accompanied by a park employee or by obtaining a Special Use Permit from the superintendent.
• The service access roads to the water tank, sewage lift station and Horseshoe/Hackberry Ruins are open to government vehicles and/or contractors for official business purposes only.

These restrictions serve to protect the Monument’s fragile archaeological resources and their surrounding natural features from damage due to concentrated use and to protect sensitive infrastructure.

All-Terrain Vehicles, Off Road Vehicles, Unmanned Aircraft, and Non-Powered Flight:

• All vehicles operated within the boundaries of Hovenweep National Monument must have a valid state registration, display a valid state license plate(s), and meet any other requirements for motor vehicles operated on highways within the States of Utah and Colorado.
• Any off highway vehicle (OHV), all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or other motorized conveyance manufactured for recreational non-highway, off road, or all terrain travel (all-terrain type I or type II vehicles, as defined by Utah State Code Annotated 41-22-2) is prohibited.
• Launching or landing an unmanned aircraft (drone) is prohibited within the boundaries of Hovenweep National Monument except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

These restrictions are intended to protect fragile archaeological sites, soil crusts, native vegetation and sensitive wildlife from disturbance; to preserve the natural soundscape from human-caused sounds; to allow visitors opportunities to experience quiet and solitude amid a natural setting; to preserve natural viewsheds and expansive vistas without human intrusion; and to maintain visitor safety.

• Hovenweep National Monument is closed to the launching or landing of all forms of non-powered flight including hang gliders, paragliders, and parachutes.

This restriction is intended to protect visitors and natural/cultural resources from injury or damage due to the use of various forms of powerless flight.

Fixed Lines

• The use of fixed lines (any line made from any material which is stretched between two points) is prohibited except for tie downs used in conjunction with tarps or tents affixed to ground stakes. This includes but is not limited to clothes lines, dog runs, hammocks or slack lines, and prohibits attachment to vegetation, natural features, or government property. This regulation does not apply to recreational climbing.

Artificial Light Sources

• The use of artificial light sources for purposes other than personal route-finding or minimum impact camping—that is, to light up landscapes, rock formations, or other park features—is prohibited.

Passenger Carrying Buses:

• Drivers of motor vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines, with the following exceptions:
  • 1) after long uphill grades, engines may be idled for up to 15 minutes to cool
  • 2) engines may be left running to provide cooling or heating for disabled passengers who have difficulty in disembarking;
  • 3) engines may be left running while the driver is actively completing a pre-trip vehicle inspection.

This restriction serves to protect visitors from unnecessary noise and exhaust fumes while visiting the monument.

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II. 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required:

• §2.5(a) Specimen collection (the taking of plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)

This restriction is intended to protect natural resources that should be available for the enjoyment of future generations.

• §2.50(a) Conducting a special event, sports event, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events
• §2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views

  NOTE: Gathering for the purpose of expressing views and making statements such as is protected under the First Amendment does not require a permit as long as the activity takes place in the designated “First Amendment” area indicated in this document and the involved group is less than 25 people. Groups larger than 25 people need a Special Use Permit. Printed matter, used as part of a “First Amendment” activity may be allowed in the “First Amendment” area (See Appendix A) without a permit for groups less than 25 people.

  • The designated area for first amendment activities is located in the five parking spaces on the east side of the parking lot. See Appendix A.
• §2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printed material that is not solely commercial advertising

These restrictions serve to maintain a natural, peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors.

• §2.60(b) Livestock use.

This restriction is intended to protect the fragile soil crusts and vegetation found within the boundaries of the monument.

• §5.1 Advertisements (display, posting or distribution.)
• §5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business (requires a permit, contract or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations).
• §5.5 Commercial Photography/Filming:
  (a) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television
  (b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising.

These restrictions are intended to ensure a natural, tranquil and uninhibited experience for visitors to the monument.

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III. GENERAL REGULATIONS

36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

(a)(4) It is unlawful to gather or cut firewood anywhere within the monument

This restriction serves to protect the desert ecosystem within the monument. Dead and downed wood is part of the natural and scenic landscape and an essential survival component for many species.

(a)(5 & 6) No archeological sites in Hovenweep National Monument may be entered, walked on or otherwise disturbed. Stepping over a chain, rope, or other barrier delineating a site is considered entering that site.

This restriction is intended to further protect the irreplaceable cultural resources within the Monument that were the basis for its original designation.

(c)(1), (c)(2) Reasonable small quantities of fruits, berries, and nuts (up to one pound, per person, per day of any variety of fruit, berry, or nut) may be gathered for immediate personal consumption. The use of bush rakes or other harvesting devices is prohibited.

This restriction serves to protect natural ecological processes within the monument as harvesting fruits, berries, and nuts depletes food supplies for wildlife.

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36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

(e) All lands within the boundary of the monument are closed to viewing wildlife with an artificial light.

This restriction serves to protect the natural and peaceful habitat of wildlife.

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36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE

(a) Camping in the monument has the following restrictions:

• Camping is only permitted in the designated campground.
• All campsites are fully reservable through Recreation.gov and open year-round.
• Occupancy of each campsite is limited to 8 persons, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles (a trailer counts as one vehicle).
• Campsites may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
• All motor vehicles must be parked on designated vehicle pads and must not extend into the roadway. Vehicle barriers may not be moved to enlarge the available parking space and natural resources must not sustain damage from a parked vehicle.
• Camping structures must be placed on the tent pad where a tent pad is provided. One additional camping structure may be placed off the tent pad on the hardened/impacted area around the pad or picnic table. All camping structures must be erected within the footprint of the campsite's impacted and hardened areas.
• Campground ‘Generator Hours’ are from 8am-10am and from 4pm-8pm.
• Campground ‘Quiet Hours’ are from 10pm-8am. Noise levels are to remain at a conversational level. A camper’s voice should not be audible from a distance of 100 feet from the campsite.
• Visitors are prohibited from soliciting other campers to share their campsites.
• Checkout time is 10am daily. Persons still occupying sites, including vehicles and/or equipment, after checkout time, will be required to pay the campground fee for an additional day.
• It is prohibited to dispose of grey water within the camp area.

(b)(9) Length of stay is limited to seven (7) consecutive days from March through October, and fourteen (14) consecutive days the remainder of the year.

(b)(10) All food must be kept out of the reach of wildlife at all times. Food and other camping supplies must be kept in a vehicle or other hard-sided-latchable container when the campsite is not occupied.

These restrictions serve to protect natural resources in the monument by limiting group size and prescribing a camping location. The restrictions also protect the recreational experience of all visitors by limiting the time and manner of use by any one group occupying a site. They also serve to ensure the proper disposal of human waste to protect water quality, natural habitat, and visitor safety.

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36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is permitted only under the following conditions:

• Fires are restricted to the campground and only in metal fire grills provided.
• Gathering wood and making ground fires are prohibited.
• Burning trash or other waste is prohibited.
• During periods of extreme fire danger, as established by fire weather data, all fires within the monument will be prohibited with the exception of gas-burning stoves.

These requirements are intended to ensure that the visual and environmental impacts of campfires and cooking fires are limited in high use areas. Fire rings attract trash and food residue from campers attempting to burn trash before leaving an area. High temperatures from ground fires negatively impact soils and impair plant growth. These restrictions also serve to minimize the risks of wildland fires during extreme weather conditions.

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36 CFR 2.14 – SANITATION AND REFUSE

(2.14) In non-developed areas, toilet paper must be carried out. Burning or burying toilet paper is prohibited.

This restriction serves to protect public health, natural resources, and water quality.

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36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

(a)(1) Dogs (except service dogs), cats, and other pets are prohibited on any monument land, including buildings, except for those locations identified below:

• Pets on a leash (max. 6’) are allowed on/in all hiking trails, all monument roads open for public vehicular use, parking areas, picnic areas, and the campground.

(a)(3) Pets may be left unattended if they are secured in a location where they will not become a nuisance, interfere with wildlife, impede normal travel by visitors or cause other resource damage. Pets may not be left unattended overnight, nor when weather or other conditions could endanger the pet’s health.

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be immediately collected by the pet handler and disposed of in the nearest trash receptacle. Bagged pet excrement may not be disposed of in pit toilets.

(e) Monument residents may keep pets in compliance with the pet policy current Hovenweep Housing Management Plan.

These restrictions serve to protect park natural/cultural resources, wildlife and visitors from the negative impacts of domestic animals.

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36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS

(a) Horses, mules, burros, llamas, and other animals used as pack stock are not permitted within the boundaries of Hovenweep National Monument with the following exceptions:

• Removal of trespassing livestock
• Search and rescue activities
• Law enforcement incidents
• Other emergency operations

These restrictions serve to protect biological soil crusts and other natural resources from excessive large animal impacts. Hiking trails and routes are not compatible with stock.

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36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR DEVICES

The use of roller skates, rollerblades, roller skis, skateboards, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited.

This restriction serves to provide for visitor safety and to protect biological soil crusts and other natural resources.

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36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) are prohibited in all government buildings and around the fuel and flammable materials storage area.

During periods of extreme fire danger, as established by fire weather data, all smoking within the Monument will be prohibited.

These restrictions are intended to protect public/employee health and government property from the effects of smoking and minimize the risk of fire/explosions in fuel storage areas. They also serve to minimize the risks of wildland fires during extreme weather conditions.

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36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY

(a)(2) Geocaching is prohibited. Geocaching is defined as the placement of a concealed cache within the park boundaries and then disseminating the coordinates/location, or clues to the coordinates/location, for the purpose of enticing third parties to search for the cache at a later date.

This restriction serves to protect cultural resources and soil crust and other natural resources within the Monument.

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36 CFR §2.35 –ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

(a)(3)(i) The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all public use buildings when the building is open to the general public with the exception of officially sanctioned activities.

This restriction serves to protect visitors in public use buildings from the effects of alcoholic beverage consumption.

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36 CFR §2.38 – FIREWORKS

(b) The possession or use of fireworks is not permitted in the monument.

This restriction serves to eliminate unnecessary fire danger and ensure peaceful and safe enjoyment of the monument for visitors.

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36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

(a) A Special Use Permit is required for the erection of monuments (requires approval from Regional Director).

(b) A Special Use Permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains in accordance with the following terms and conditions of the permit.

These restrictions are intended to protect cultural and natural resources as well as the visitor experience.

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36 CFR §3.21 – SWIMMING AND BATHING

(a)(1) All springs, seeps, and other natural water sources are closed to swimming, bathing, wading, or immersion of humans or domestic animals.

This restriction serves to protect the natural water quality within the Monument.

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36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES

(i)(1) Bicycles and electric bicycles are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are open to motor vehicle use by the public.

This restriction is intended to protect fragile soil crust and other natural resources within the monument.

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Appendix A

Designated Area for First Amendment Activities

Hovenweep Visitor Center Parking Lot

 

NPS

 

2022 COMPENDIUM AMENDMENT: MASK-WEARING REQUIREMENTS

Authority

54 U.S.C. Section 10075 l(a) and Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations§ 1.5(a)(2) gives authority to Park Superintendents to impose restrictions on activities within park areas for the maintenance of public health and safety.

Mask-Wearing Requirements

When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks.

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in one or more, but not all, of the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, the superintendent will determine whether individuals are required to wear masks. The requirement, if any, will apply to all facilities within the park.

Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.

Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so. Where a state, local, tribal, or territorial government where the park is located imposes more protective mask-wearing requirements than those indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals must follow those more protective requirements within the park. More protective state, local, tribal, or territorial mask-wearing requirements are hereby adopted as federal requirements in all units of the National Park System located within that state, locality, area subject to a federally recognized Indian tribe’s regulatory jurisdiction, or territory, regardless of a particular park’s jurisdictional status.

Additionally, all individuals must wear masks in or on public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs/facilities, to the extent required by current orders or directives issued by the CDC, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or other federal agencies with jurisdiction over those conveyances or areas. As of March 4, 2022, CDC and TSA orders or directives require all individuals regardless of vaccination status to wear masks in indoor areas of all forms of public transportation conveyances, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in the indoor premises of transportation hubs/facilities. Individuals are not required to wear masks while outdoors on conveyances or while outdoors on the premises of transportation hubs/facilities.

Accordingly, the National Park Service determines publication as rulemaking in the Federal Register is unwarranted under 36 CFR § 1.5.

Public Notice Strategy

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 1.7 notice of this temporary and partial closure and public use limitation will be made through the following means:

• Signs posted at conspicuous locations along the affected trails.

• Electronic media.

This order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until rescinded. The effectiveness of this order will be assessed on an ongoing basis and will be modified or rescinded when conditions warrant.

Approved: /s/ Patricia S. Trap, Superintendent
March 9, 2022

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