curiosa & explorando

After exploring the surreal formations of Capitol Reef (if you haven’t read that part yet, catch up here), let’s continue our Utah road trip. Our next stop: a hidden gem called Valley of the Gods. It’s like Monument Valley, minus the crowds, tour buses or entrance fees.

I’ll start by saying that, unlike the previous places, this will be more like a layover rather than a full-on adventure, a little bi of a pause before our next destination.

This desert paradise sits between Bluff and Mexican Hat in southeastern Utah. It’s just off Highway UT-261, with a discreet but visible sign pointing to the scenic loop.

How to get there:

From Capitol Reef, it takes you about four hours (or a little less than that, to be honest). Make sure to fill up your tank in Hanksville or Blanding because the stretch ahead is remote. If you want to take a quick break or a slow snack, about 2-hour into this driving, there’s a place called Natural Bridges National Monument. If not, let’s keep rolling!

Drive down the Moki Dugway, a dirt road with surreal views. This is the place where you can get, in my opinion, one the best views of the Valley of the Gods, and make sure to stop at Muley Point Overlook. If you want to stretch a bit more, at the base of the Dugway, if turn left you’ll find Goosenecks State Park. I’ll confess, there’s not much to do here, but the view alone is worth it. You’ll see the San Juan River carving down this majestic canyon that forms a “gooseneck” pattern. It reminded me a lot of the Horseshoe Bend in Arizona. Absurdly beautiful.

Once you’re done, then loop back to Valley of the Gods and drive the 17-mile scenic drive, starting from the western entrance on UT-261.

If you’re following this itinerary, you’re probably coming from Bentonite Hills, which requires 4WD. Here’s no different. To drive through the valley you’ll want 4WD or at least a high-clearance vehicle, since the road is mainly gravel and clay. This loop will approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours with stops.

Some must-see rock formations: Setting Hen Butte, Rooster Butte, Seven Sailors Butte, De Gaulle and His Troops, and Lady in the Bathtub.

Fun fact: the valley is considered sacred by the Navajo people, who view the rock formations as ancient warriors frozen in stone.

Valley of the Gods is a BLM land, meaning you’re allowed to camp for free (dispersed camping). Although there are no amenities, this is an excellent place for stargazing and I can assure you: it-is-jaw-dropping. But if you’re not really into camping and rather have something a little more comfortable, you can head to Bluff and staying in one of the hotels. There are plenty of places with excellent reviews.

Ready to keep going? Our next stop is THE ICONIC Monument Valley! And if you don’t like camping, I might just change your mind with this one. Stay with me!