Valley of the Gods, Utah Guide
Seated at the base of Cedar Mesa's cliffs, Valley of the Gods could best be described as the younger, less-famous sibling of the nearby Monument Valley. Unlike Monument Valley though, this valley is completely free to explore and your leisure, and likely without the crowds of tourists. Combined with all of the other hidden gems nearby in San Juan County, you'll want to make Valley of the Gods part of your itinerary.
When to Visit
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This part of southeastern Utah is nothing but desert, so expect hot summers, mild falls and springs, and cooler winters. Valley of the Gods never closes, and is completely undeveloped, expect for the 16 mile dirt road that runs through it. In good weather, it's easily passable by just about any vehicle, with a few bumps here and there. If it's rained recently, a 4x4 will be a must, as the road can get muddy, and also crosses several washes that are liable to have some water in them. You'll spot a number of pull offs along the road, where free camping is allowed, though you'll need to be completely self sufficient: there are no services whatsoever in the Valley, though the small town of Mexican Hat is just down the road.
How to Get There
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Located in southeastern Utah in San Juan County, Valley of the Gods is about 45 minutes up the road from Monument Valley, and about ten minutes from the small town of Mexican Hat. Start the 16 mile road through the valley off of either US Route 163, or right before the start of the Moki Dugway (more on that below) on US Route Route 261.
The Valley of the Gods
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Time: 1.5 - 2 hours.
Distance: 16 mile loop road.
While Monument Valley offers a handful of marked trails, guided tours, and a hotel and restaurant on site, Valley of the Gods simply offers spectacular, untouched views; the road and camping pullouts (and a small bed and breakfast) are the only unnatural things to be found here. No matter which entrance you take, you'll soon find yourself admiring a variety of towering, sandstone structures, each larger than the next. While there may not be any trails, you are free to park your vehicle and explore on foot at will--it's all open here. Take the drive slowly, and stop to admire.
The Lady in the Bathtub.
Castle Butte.
The heart of the valley is where the buttes and spires become more frequent, and larger. Castle Butte dares to rival the Mittens of Monument Valley, while Rudolph and Santa Claus seems endless, save for the curious gap in its center. Whoever named the formations in Valley of the Gods certainly had fun with it, with others like Lady in the Bathtub and De Gaulle and His Troops standing out.
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Hi there, I'm Dan: videographer, travel-addict, and beer-lover. I left corporate life behind to start my own video business and travel the world. Want to know more about me and Dan Treks?
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The Valley lights up at golden hour.
De Gaulle and His Troops.
So, what else then? Unless you speed through (and why would you do that?), it takes around two hours to really see the valley; more if you do decide to do some hiking. Stick around for sunset, when golden hour makes the sandstone really glow. If you're keen to climbing, it is possible to scale some of these formations, permits pending, naturally. If you find yourself visiting in January, Valley of the Gods is the host of the annual Bluff Balloon Festival, where countless, colorful hot air balloons take flight over it.
The Valley of the Gods, with the Bears Ears peeking out.
Valley of the Gods is just one of many hidden and amazing things to do in San Juan County--if it's your first stop, then you've barely scratched the surface here. Otherwise, find your courage, and make the drive up the winding Moki Dugway near the western entrance to the Valley, where ancient ruins, endless views, and more await you.
Slow and steady wins when driving the Moki Dugway, where more adventure awaits at the top.