Stunning, Dog-friendly Ancient Castles and Sizzling Summer Temperatures

Dear Maia, Isaac and Virtual Wanderer,

Today was our old favorite walk at Hovenweep. These stunning ancient castles have a special place in my heart. I feel like I’ve been coming here forever but it’s really only been a couple decades.

Kokopelli, Kachina, and Cimarron pose ar Stronghold House.

The hike is 100% (leashed) dog-friendly. The sun isn’t. I’d say we should start earlier but the dogs also have med schedules. We shortened our hike and only went as far as Hovenweep Castle today.

It’s a fairly flat walk, but rocky in places. Not dog stroller friendly. I had Koko’s pack “in case” but she isn’t light and I’m not a spring chicken.

Kokopelli, Kachina had Cimarron at Hovenweep House.

It because clearer as the day rolled forward that four days at Hovenweep is a lot less fun in August than in September. The afternoon was long because of the early hike stop – and no rain. The heat has returned.

The other downside of tacking a camping trip at the end of a road trip is supplies. I’m starting to ration my charger because one isn’t working. I have enough if I’m careful, but not if I am bored and scroll too much.

Pups and I stop for a break during our hike.

Road trips where we drive every day conserve batteries. So, I am considering a trip over to Utah tomorrow afternoon after our hike. We can grab food and charge stuff up on the drive.

Kachina posing in Maizzy’s old sun hat on our hike today.

Normally, the joy of Hovenweep is 4 days without a drive. Normally, the August trip is moving everyday in the car’s AC during the hot afternoon. This year was an interesting experiment. On the positive side, I get time at Hovenweep now and family next month. Now, that trip’s gonna be too cold at 8k thousand feet. Timing matters.