The Valley of the Gods is a scenic sandstone valley near Mexican Hat in San Juan County, southeastern Utah. Formerly part of Bears Ears National Monument, Valley of the Gods is located north of Monument Valley across the San Juan River and has rock formations similar to those in Monument Valley with tall, reddish brown mesas, buttes, towers and mushroom rocks, remnants of an ancient landscape. The area remains protected public land administered as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and managed by the Bureau of Land Management, as it was before the monument designation.
Wildlife or sites to expect include bob cats, bighorn sheep and coyotes.
Conversations/Things we learned:
We visited this location as part of our visit to numerous national and state parks in Utah/northern Arizona. This is a must-see location of you plan to visit any of the national parks in Utah to include Monument Valley.
When traveling in this area, remember to bring plenty of water and when you see a gas station, always fill up. The roads in this area recommended for high clearance vehicles. During dry weather, many people drive the road in family cars - but be advised that it can be rough. When the weather is wet a 4X4 may be needed to get through.
Location:
Valley of the Gods is about 15 miles from Bluff. Head south from Bluff on Highway 191. Continue straight as the road becomes Highway 163. Continue about 12 miles and Valley of the Gods will be on your right.
Website:
https://utah.com/monument-valley/valley-of-the-gods
Gallery of photos