My first ever off-road adventure was in southeastern Utah. I like to find new places to visit and this area was new to me. My van has decent clearance but I am not 4 wheel drive so don’t really go off the main highways.
When entering the Valley of the Gods I missed the high clearance vehicle and the soft sand warnings signs. As I made my way along the bumpy road I was not sure if I should turn around or not. I persevered over the rocks, loose sand, ruts and deep dips and finally 2 hours later I reached paved road. Felt shaken up and the van was filled with a light red dust but the feeling of accomplishment was huge. I did get some awesome pictures!
Through Monument Valley, my second off road adventure, I was told I would have no problem on the scenic drive. Both my van and I were pretty shaken up after this drive as well. The scariest part was driving back up the switchbacks at the beginning and end of the drive. I was not sure if I would spin out in the loose sand. I made it with much relief.
Off-roading through the Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley offers one of the most unique ways to experience the stunning landscape of the American Southwest. With towering red rock formations, scenic desert views, and rugged terrain, these areas are perfect for adventurers seeking an unforgettable off-road journey.
Valley of the Gods: The “Mini Monument Valley”
People often describe the scenic backcountry area of the Valley of the Gods as a “mini Monument Valley” because its scenery closely resembles the nearby Monument Valley. The area has interesting shaped buttes, towering pinnacles and wide open spaces that seem to go on forever. Its remote beauty makes it perfect for off-roading enthusiasts.
Getting There:
Valley of the Gods is located off Highway 163, about 25 miles north of Mexican Hat, Utah. There are several entry points to the Valley of the Gods Road, a scenic 17-mile dirt loop that winds through the heart of the landscape.
I entered on the western end of the Valley of the Gods road which connected with Hwy 261 just below the Moki Dugway. (The Moki Dugway is section of very tight switchbacks that allow Hwy 261 to climb the cliff face to the top of Cedar Mesa.)
Off-Roading Experience:
For a smoother ride on these dirt roads, especially after rain, if is best to use a high-clearance, four wheel drive vehicle. You’ll encounter sandy stretches, rocks, and many dips and ruts adding excitement to the drive.
I highly recommend taking the loop slowly to fully enjoy the experience and to not bottom out your vehicle, which I unfortunately did a couple times. There are several stops to admire the massive sandstone buttes and mesas with names like Battleship Rock, Sitting Hen, and Lady in the Bathtub.
Camping:
Bureau of Land Management manages this area so it is free to enter. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the Valley of the Gods. Campsites are basic, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient. Overnight stays offer stargazing opportunities since the area is a designated dark sky site, free from light pollution.
Monument Valley: Icon of the American West
Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable landscapes in the U.S., famous for its iconic sandstone monoliths featured in countless films and photos. Located on Navajo Nation land, it’s more regulated and developed for tourism than Valley of the Gods but still allows for incredible off-road experiences.
Some of the must-see formations include the Mittens, Totem Pole, and Elephant Butte. Each turn in the valley reveals new rock structures and sweeping views, offering endless photography opportunities.
The elevation of the valley floor ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,500 to 1,800 m) above sea level. The valley’s vivid red coloration comes from iron oxide exposed in the weathered siltstone. The darker, blue-gray rocks in the valley get their color from manganese oxide.
Monument Valley is on Navajo land, therefore following the rules and being respectful is expected. The Navajo Nation places great importance on these natural formations, and certain areas are sacred.
Getting There:
Monument Valley is located along Highway 163 near the Arizona-Utah border. Visitors must pay an entrance fee to access the area, which helps support the local Navajo communities.
Off-Roading Experience:
Unlike the self-guided Valley of the Gods, Monument Valley’s off-road options are limited to the 17-mile dirt and gravel road that winds through the valley. It is sandy and bumpy, with steep sections.
For those seeking more exploration, the Navajo Nation offers guided off-road tours, allowing access to restricted areas within the valley.
Camping:
There is no camping allowed in Monument Valley.
Preparing for Your Off-Road Adventure
1. Vehicle Preparation:
While you can manage these areas with a standard vehicle, a high-clearance 4WD is advisable for a smoother and safer experience, especially if you plan to go off the main routes or venture into rougher conditions.
2. Navigating Your Off-Road Adventure:
GPS systems may not always work well in these remote areas. Bringing a map or downloading offline maps can be helpful for backup.
3. Pack Essentials:
With limited services in these regions:
- pack plenty of water snacks
- sunscreen
- layers for changing weather conditions. Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
4. Leave No Trace:
Follow Leave No Trace principles as both of these areas are protected. Pack out all trash, stay on designated paths, and avoid disturbing natural features or wildlife.
My Final Thoughts on my Off-Road Adventure
CheckOff-roading through the Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley gave me a way to connect with the spirit of the desert in a profound way. Exploring the vast, open spaces of Valley of the Gods or learning about Navajo culture in Monument Valley, both sites offered me unforgettable experiences.
If you decide to drive these areas make sure you have very high clearance and 4 wheel drive is probably the best option. I thoroughly enjoyed both scenic drives but will not do them again. Once was enough for me to travel in my current van due to the roughness of the roads. Check out my trip to southern Arizona. Happy Travels.