4.5
(2292)
17,375
hikers
00:09
536m
0m
Hiking
Embark on an easy hike to the historic Cave Towers, a short 0.3-mile (0.5 km) route with a minimal elevation gain of just 3 feet (1 metres). This quick adventure typically takes around 9 minutes to complete, offering a unique glimpse into the past. As you follow the path along…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Get Directions
536 m
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
514 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
482 m
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 2 June
32°C
14°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
The Cave Towers trailhead is accessed via an unpaved road. While 2WD vehicles might reach an initial parking area, a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is recommended for driving closer to the towers due to sections of packed dirt, slickrock, and rocky terrain. If you have a less capable vehicle, you may need to park further back and walk a bit more.
A high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is recommended for the unpaved access road to the Cave Towers trailhead. The road includes sections of slickrock and rocky terrain. Standard 2WD vehicles might need to park further away, increasing your walking distance to the towers.
The path to the towers from the end of the drivable road is often undeveloped and unmarked. You'll navigate southeast towards the canyon rim, walking on sand or slickrock. Exploring cliff dwellings may involve scrambling and route-finding.
The walking portion of the trail itself is generally short and easy, often less than 1.5 miles round trip with negligible elevation gain. However, navigating the access road and finding the unmarked path to the towers requires some preparedness and route-finding skills, which might be challenging for absolute beginners.
The spring is an excellent time to visit, as the desert landscape can be vibrant with wildflowers. The area offers classic desert scenery year-round, but be mindful of extreme temperatures during summer and potential snow or ice in winter.
As the Cave Towers site is within Bears Ears National Monument, dogs are generally permitted but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please ensure you pack out all pet waste to preserve the natural and historical integrity of the area.
No specific permits or entrance fees are required to hike the Cave Towers trail itself. However, it is located within Bears Ears National Monument, so be aware of and respect all monument regulations regarding cultural sites and natural resources.
The primary draw of this trail is the impressive collection of Ancestral Puebloan ruins. Along the rim of Cave Canyon, you'll discover the remains of seven towers, some well-preserved with standing walls and intact doorways. You can also spot additional ruins tucked into alcoves along the canyon walls, often best viewed with binoculars.
The Cave Towers are a unique collection of Ancestral Puebloan structures, dating from approximately 1000-1300 CE. Their arrangement, including towers and above-ground kivas, suggests they may have served defensive purposes or as part of a communication network. The presence of a natural spring nearby indicates its importance as a former community settlement.
The actual hiking portion to the towers is short, often less than 1.5 miles round trip, and can be completed in under an hour. However, allow extra time for navigating the access road, finding the unmarked path, and exploring the ruins.
The Cave Towers trail is generally an out-and-back experience. From the end of the drivable road, you'll navigate to the canyon rim to view the towers and then return the way you came.
Given the desert environment and unmarked paths, it's advisable to bring plenty of water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), sturdy hiking shoes, and binoculars for viewing distant ruins. A map or GPS device can also be helpful for navigation.