Horseshoe Hackberry Trail,
Hovenweep National Monument

Located 24.9 miles from Cortez, Colorado (CO)
4 Stars
1,456 Steps 1  (0.7 mi)
Trails National Monuments Hovenweep Horseshoe Hackberry Trail

The Horseshoe Hackberry Trail is located in the Hackberry Canyon where the structures of the two groups of ruins are located. There are brochures at the trailhead, available for a small fee. Although this is a short trail, it is classified as moderate due to the several areas where the trail drops slightly when approaching the ruins. The Horseshoe Tower and the Horseshoe House are the first dwellings you will see on this section of trail. Hovenweep is a desert and extremely high temperatures are common during the summer months. Flash flooding may occur during the monsoon. Before visiting Hovenweep National Monument it is advisable to visit the Hovenweep Visitor Center or the Anasazi Heritage Center for further in-depth information relating to the area.

Horseshoe Hackberry TrailHorseshoe Hackberry RuinsHorseshoe Hackberry Trailhead

Elevation

The Horseshoe Hackberry Trail has a maximum elevation of 5,498 ft., a minimum elevation of 5,445 ft. and an elevation range of 53 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
0.7 mi5,445 ft5,498 ft53 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
18 min3.845 ft28 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
18 min2.328 ft45 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Horseshoe Hackberry Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
  1. Northwest Topo Map: Bug Canyon, UT
  2. North Topo Map: Papoose Canyon, UT
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Ruin Canyon, CO
  4. West Topo Map: Hatch Trading Post, UT
  5. Topo Map: Ruin Point, UT
  6. East Topo Map: Negro Canyon, CO
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Navajo Canyon, UT
  8. South Topo Map: Wickiup Canyon, UT
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Bowdish Canyon, CO

FAQ

What is the length of the Horseshoe Hackberry Trail?
The length of the trail is 0.7 miles (1.1 km) or 1,456 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Horseshoe Hackberry Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 18 minutes in one direction and in 18 minutes in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.