A Day Of Iconic Twins: From Hovenweep’s Twin Towers to Bluff, Utah’s Twin Rocks

Dear Isaac, Maia, and Virtual Wanderers,

We had a fantastically fun and decidedly different day for Hovenweep. We started by finishing the dog-friendly main trail at Hovenweep. It was another hot, mostly cloudless day. Not July hot, but hot enough that the dogs were feeling it. We hiked for about 2 hours.

The castle of Hovenweep (AKA towers) are stunning, always. Most structures sit at the top of the canyon, a few sit at the bottom. It’s a loop hike, but we only go from the Visitor’s Center to Twin Towers and back. I shouldn’t say “only” because it’s longer than finishing the loop. However, tge loop climbs down a fairly steep incline into the canyon and back up again. There aren’t any novel structures there that you can’t see from the flatter loop. Three old short legged dogs and a granny. . . We do better staying flat.

After that, it was time for our mini air conditioned trip to Bluff, Utah. There are 2 main ways to get there fairly directly. We chose the road more traveled. I mean, it’s a very rural 2-lane, but you pass through some little towns.

Kachina, Cimarron, and Kokopelli pose in front of Twin Towers.

The drive connects the sage filled sandstone canyons of Hovenweep and Canyons of the Ancients to the red rock bluffs of iconic Southeast Utah. Bluff is surrounded by gorgeous sandstone cliffs. This is a path we frequent on the way to or from AZ in April. It’s also our path on years we do our Utah loop. It was an air conditioned treat to combine it with Hovenweep.

First, we stopped at the Twin Rocks Cafe. I got the Bear’s Ears scramble. My favorite little stop in Bluff. Scrambled eggs, veggies and fry bread. I was too full to eat much dinner.

After that, we visited Bluff Fort. This is a well kept Mormon museum and historic site. Lots of historic cabins and businesses.

We headed back to Hovenweep after that. It’s tempting to drive further south to Monument Valley. But, no, I decided to keep it simple this time. There is so much to do when you are camping, anyway.