Cutthroat Castle Group ~ Hovenweep National Monument

Public access has been closed to the Cutthroat Castle Pueblo Group for a few years and the status will not likely change anytime soon. The photos for this article were taken a few months before the Cutthroat Castle site was officially closed and the rough Jeep trail was still open. This road was very rough back then, especially on the bare bedrock cliffs overlooking the canyon. Needless to say, this bumpy trip was not exactly appealing for the average tourist and hiking was actually the better option at that time. Hiking to the Cutthroat Castle is also no longer allowed, because of current site security reasons. 

As can be seen in the photos, Cutthroat Castle looks similar to the other Puebloan Culture villages in Hovenweep and Canyons Of The Ancients National Monuments, however 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. The word "satellite" actually is a misnomer, because archaeological evidence of suggests Cutthroat Castle was as much of a ceremonial center, as it was a village dwelling.

There is something special about Cutthroat Castle that is not easy to describe. The feelings of being on an expedition to an unknown world certainly do become stronger when following the trail through the thick piñon forest, till the Cutthroat Castle first comes into sight. The remnants of the stone block and mortar buildings are gigantic and it is easy to imagine just how magnificent this little city once was. The view of the tower perched on a rock outcrop ledge in the dead silence of the forested canyon will provide memories to ponder over for a lifetime, but the experience must patiently wait till Cutthroat Castle is officially reopened sometime in the future!