Cutthroat Castle Group•Hovenweep

​The Cutthroat Castle Group has never been easy to get to in a vehicle or by foot, yet it is well worth experiencing this section of Hovenweep National Monument. The Canyons Of The Ancients is located next door and the terrain is much the same. This area is composed of thick piñon and juniper forest covered canyons that are very easy to get lost in. The foot trails are moderately easy, but they are not always easy to navigate. The dirt road that goes directly to Cutthroat Castle is too rough for regular passenger cars and a 4x4 is recommended. All this limits the number of visitors and solitude is practically guaranteed at this ancient sacred place.

Public access to the Cutthroat Castle Pueblo Group was closed in 2019 because of security reasons. Those issues were recently settled and public access is open once again. The photos for this article were captured a few months before the Cutthroat Castle closure and as can be seen, there were very few other footprints on the trail back then. 

Cutthroat Castle looks similar to the other ancient pueblo groups in Hovenweep and Canyons Of The Ancients. There are some subtle differences, which include above ground kivas. Cutthroat Castle is described as being a satellite pueblo complex in relation to the Square Tower Group, which is the main attraction in Hovenweep. Archaeological evidence suggests Cutthroat Castle was as much of a ceremonial center as it was a village dwelling.

There is something intangible about Cutthroat Castle that is not easy to describe. The feeling of being on an expedition to a mystical place certainly does become stronger when following the trail through the thick piñon forest, which is overgrown like a jungle. When Cutthroat Castle first comes into view it is like discovering a lost ancient city and a feeling of importance takes over the senses. The remnants of the stone block and mortar buildings are gigantic and it is easy to imagine just how magnificent this pueblo complex once was. The views of the towers perched on rock outcrop ledges take on a deeper meaning in the dead silence of the forested canyon and the modern world might as well be a million miles away. Visiting the remote Cutthroat Castle Group certainly will provide fond memories to ponder over for a lifetime, so be sure to chalk this trek high on the list!