Lori and I just returned from an epic day exploring one of the most remarkable clusters of Ancestral Puebloan structures in the Four Corners region—the Holly Group, right here in Hovenweep National Monument.
This adventure was a highlight, but let’s be honest: Getting to these secluded ruins is not for the faint of heart (or the squeamish-bellied!). The approach was a very long, bumpy, dirty road, which had our Ram 3500 diesel pickup toiling, but it was absolutely worth every jaw-breaking bump.
The structures here were built between 1230 and 1275 and are incredibly preserved. The masonry is just stunning. We got some fantastic photos, which we’ve shared below.
Our first view of the Holly Group was truly breathtaking. This area at the head of Keeley Canyon is defined by massive sandstone boulders. You can see how the inhabitants masterfully integrated their buildings into the natural cliff face and enormous rocks.
The Holly Great House is the largest structure in the cluster, still featuring some impressively high original walls. In this second picture, you can see how it was built right on the cliff’s edge, using the massive crack as a natural feature (and possibly a defensive or secret access point!).
We also got a great perspective on the “Tilted Tower” and the accompanying “Boulder House”.
The Tilted Tower is one of the most precarious sights in Hovenweep. It was built directly atop a giant sandstone boulder. Sometime after it was abandoned (around A.D. 1300), the entire boulder shifted and tilted, sending the upper stories of the two-room tower to the canyon floor, leaving the foundation attached at an angle that looks absolutely gravity-defying.
Look closely at the picture, and you can see the distinctive hand-and-toe holes (moki steps) pecked into the rock face that served as the original entrance to the lower Boulder House. We also found another example of these incredibly small access holes carved right through the cliff face (fourth image)!
While the drive was tough, we are both so glad we made it to the Holly Group. Being here, among the “Deserted Valley’s” quiet towers and massive canyon, was the perfect way to spend our 40th wedding anniversary. It is a powerful reminder that some of the most uncharted journeys are the ones that require a little extra effort.
We are keeping the rig at the main visitor center tonight for some International Dark Sky stargazing.
We took so many pictures today! Lori will be sorting through them as we plan our next moves, potentially toward Canada and Alaska for the Denali Rally in July.
