About 3 miles west of Bluff, U. Continue straight on U. The highway crosses Comb Wash, revealing the dramatic cliffs of Comb Ridge, a huge redrock escarpment running north—south.
This eroded monocline begins just south of the Abajo Mountains west of Blanding and runs 80 miles south to Kayenta, Arizona. After driving through the gap in this striking formation, it is definitely worth stopping to look back and study the impressive natural barrier more carefully. Valley of the Gods is like a miniature version of Monument Valley without people. Its mesas and spires are formed of the same Cedar Mesa sandstone as the somewhat larger formations at Monument Valley.
The mile loop drive on mostly good dirt road is suitable for all but the most low-slung passenger vehicles in good weather. Definitely consider driving this beautiful, lonely loop—though not in a large RV and not dragging a trailer.
Stay away after heavy rains. Valley of the Gods is also a very good place to camp if you are entirely self-sufficient. There are no established campgrounds and no facilities, but there are plenty of places to camp in the wild. It is incredibly quiet, and watching the moon rise here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The loop finishes on Highway paved just south of the descent from the Moki Dugway and north of the turnoff for Goosenecks State Park. Highway will take you south back to U. Just at the crest and right before the pavement resumes, look for the turnoff to the left. Trailers and large RVs will find the long climb to Muley Point nerve-racking, but the steep switchbacks and unbeatable scenery make this one of the most thrilling drives in the state.
The turnoff for Goosenecks State Park is on Highway about 8 miles south of the Moki Dugway on the right on your left if coming up from U. It would be a shame to miss this fascinating attraction. The overlook at the park will reward you with one of the most impressive views of entrenched river meanders in all of North America.
The San Juan River snakes for more than 5 miles here in its deeply cut canyon to cover just 1 mile as the crow flies. There is a nice picnic area with a few primitive campsites free here but no water. When done with these side trips, return south to U. The namesake formation for the town of Mexican Hat is actually about 1. Local legend tells of the love of a young Mexican vaquero for a Native American maiden who, alas, was already married to an evil old medicine man. When the medicine man learned of the affair, he turned the vaquero to stone.
Behind the sombrero is an interesting geologic formation called the Navajo Rug, a wavy pattern in the cliff strata. The little town of Mexican Hat has depended largely on several minor oil and mining booms; today it benefits from the fair stream of tourists to this remote corner of Utah. This is home base for several land and river tour companies and makes a good base for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas, though lodging is scarce.
While the Navajo have long been considered one of the most peaceful of the Native American nations, during the middle part of the 19th century they were a fierce and powerful people who caused more trouble for the invading white Anglo-Americans than almost any other indigenous group.
In , after a long period of hostility between the Navajo and white settlers, the Navajo were forcibly evicted from their home in the Four Corners region and made to march east across New Mexico. Be careful driving through as many people stop and actually walk in the middle of the road to take the pictures. The highway cuts through the heart of Monument Valley and tops out at 1. This highway has something for all riders. Expect elevation changes, sharp curves, "S" curves, twists, and long sweepers.
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