Moki Dugway for those who are possibly wondering exactly what is a Moki Dugway....it's…read moresimple....this is a very short, yet windy and steep uphill drive for 3 miles and 1200 feet reaching the top of Cedar Mesa. So what makes it so special??? Well, for me, it was just the drive. For the 3 miles, it's on dirt road. The speed limit and it's posted is 5 MPH. Yes...go slow and take your time. I have a fear of heights so driving up...on the right hand side is the view of the surrounding desert area of Southeastern, Utah. And the drive up wasn't anything difficult or dangerous, but from time to time I had to sort of move over towards the left of the road just in case, lol...to be safe. That's all. But...I came here to Moki Dugway in early afternoon right after I completed exploring Valley of the Gods. And I'd basically say Valley of the Gods is a miniature version (or even on the same level) as highly acclaimed Monument Valley! I exited Valley of the Gods on the west side along Highway 261 and literally the start to Moki Dugway was like 1 - 2 miles down the road. There really weren't any official signs saying this was Moki Dugway, but signs were posted that you'll be driving uphill on a much elevated degree along a dirt road for the next few miles. So...you'll know you're on Moki Dugway when you see it. I found there to be plenty of little roadside pullovers to stop, get out of my car and not only appreciate the fresh air, but the scenic and wide open views among the heart of the desert of secluded Mexican Hat, Utah. And...I drove Moki Dugway up to the top of Cedar Mesa and didn't stop from there. Combined with Moki Dugway was heading to Muley Point. To arrive at Muley Point I made a left onto the first road at the top of the Dugway. There wasn't a sign for Muley Point. You just have to trust that it'll be the immediate first left up at the top. Then...it's an easy 5 mile drive along a gravel road to the overlook. Once again...there weren't any signs for Muley Point when I arrived...but I knew what it was because there was no road left to drive. From there, I exited my car and headed to see what Muley point was all about. Just a few extra points...there were posted signs at the start of Moki Dugway that no RV's were allowed to drive up it. And I can understand that. They're just too big. Also, my basic mid-sized car had no issues traversing it. When I visited here in early afternoon back in September....the good news about witnessing Moki Dugway is that I had the sun facing my back so my photographs came out nice, clear and vibrant. I'd recommend coming here in the afternoon instead of possibly fighting the sun in morning time. Some may think that Moki Dugway and Muley Point are completely remote, yet that's not true. I actually started my day hanging out at Goosenecks State Park nearby...then drove 17 mile Valley of the Gods for a few hours and ultimately headed towards Bluff, Utah and Natural Bridges National Monument the following day. Also, when I did drive up...maybe I passed just a few cars headed in the opposite down the Dugway. Point is...it's not a crowded landmark. I had cell phone reception from time to time from what I remember. Lastly I'd say about 3/4's of the way to the top of Moki Dugway, I found the best opportunities to pull my car off to the side, step out and grab good pictures. So, as you'd expect the higher I went and definitely towards the top of Cedar Mesa...were the ideal views and opportunities for photos. Although Moki Dugway wasn't 5 stars for me...(I mean the views were good, not totally off the charts) it was still certainly worthwhile to come drive it while I was in the area. Combined with other attractions around Mexican Hat, I'm a fan of it.

Reading blogs online made my scared to do this drive. But after telling my husband about it there…read morewas no turning back. It was so much FUN. And in decent weather, it was easy in our SUV. We saw an RV coming down the pass which looked ridiculous and scary but we had a blast!!!

Great drive up the side of a Mesa. Wonderful views and a great spot to spend the night.read more

Well, I guess...for those who are looking into visiting Muley Point Overlook...it does get combined…read morewith driving the 3 mile road - Moki Dugway. I was a fan of Moki Dugway and making my way up to the top of Cedar Mesa. But...Muley Point fell pretty flat for me. I have by far seen much better overlooks during my time. It's the truth. Muley Point was scenic, but I wasn't blown away by it. There was potential maybe for it to be great....but my biggest problem was that I wasn't able to capture that "wow moment". When I arrived here, btw....after driving up Moki Dugway, I found Muley Point by making my first left at the top of the dugway and then driving the simple 5 mile dirt road to the end...as far as I could go. Although there weren't any signs for it, at the end of the roadway I simply got out of my car and I knew I was there. This overlook was just frustrating for me. I wasn't able to put myself in any of the pictures because I was standing high up on top of rocks and boulders while trying to peer down and out into the distance. The angling down for pictures had no potential. Basically it's a straight drop down below. The viewing platform was very high up and the terrain of the windswept "goosenecks" valley was very low...especially trying to fit myself into any photos. I know I'm being quite picky, but I was disappointed with the experience. I was able to take pictures to the best of my ability capturing the sweeping landscape, but ultimately it was WAY TOO DANGEROUS to step too far out on the ledge just for the perfect pics. I had to stand from afar (to be safe) and this was a real buzzkill for me. I'll just say when you're here...you'll understand what I'm trying to relay. But certainly Muley Point had potential. If I had to relate and put into comparison of what the scenery was all about, I'd say it had a lot of aspects like Goosenecks State Park (which is not too far away) and some Canyonlands National Park type terrain. It wasn't colorful whatsoever....but the natural sweeping canyons and halls of cliffs made it understandable why tourists could be thinking it's great. But (for those who are still reading this, lol) Goosenecks State Park just a few miles down the road....had much much more of an accessible ledge to put myself into the pictures without hindering the balance and comparison between the landscape and my squatting body, lol. In all, I refuse to take selfie pictures...so if that's what you want...then it is what it is. I'm just saying Goosenecks afforded me a lot vantage points and opportunities along the overlook and ledge to make for memorable photos....just like at Horseshoe Bend (another place w/ similar geography)....who doesn't want to be in their photos, appreciating and peering out into the majestic distance? Basically saying...I just value putting myself in pictures, hehehe. Also, Muley Point did have "Canyonlands-esque" NP aspects to it, but Canyonlands was made for visitors and tourists to capture essential and beautiful moments...but just not here at desolate Muley Point. After walking back and forth and in and out of all the cracks and crevices looking for a proper spot to grab the essence of this overlook, I gave up. And...lots of the sections of Muley Point had me facing straight into the sun which altogether negated any ideal photography. In the end...I snapped a few pics and returned back along the 5 mile road to the end of Moki Dugway. Although there was virtually no one present at this overlook, I will say that you are allowed to camp here and for free! That's actually a great aspect of Muley Point. I did see 2 tents set up and somehow an RV camper as well though I'm not sure how the camper traveled up Moki Dugway which discourages large vehicles to make the trek. Maybe the RV was coming from the opposite direction where there's no elevated upgrades and or switchbacks climbing any mountains. Overall though, I guess if you're going to drive up Moki Dugway, you might as well go a little further and drive here to Muley Point....especially if you're looking to camp out for the evening. I could envision camping out during a pretty sunset and underneath the Southern Utah stars being quite pleasant. So, yeah...sorry for a being a downer about Muley Point. And sorry for being so detailed and pinpointed about my visit here. I guess I had high expectations about this viewpoint especially since I appreciated so much Goosenecks State Park and Valley of the Gods from earlier in the day. Just....I have witnessed much much better and more accessible overlooks along my travels.

Cool find while in the Valley marveling at the landscape…read more Came upon this small cabin full of Hollywood Lore. Mr. John Wayne's cabin while filming his and John Fords Westerns. Come inside, don't expect a big cabin. What it does contain is photographs, movie lore and a room full of Western artifacts from several westerns John Wayne was involved in. It's a little hidden but as soon as you see the cabin 'you've found it'!! Bathrooms and a nice little theater are adjacent. Lots of parking.

It's a small cabin. It is the size of a small bedroom. It is one room. Inside, it has pictures of…read moreJohn Wayne and movies. The other side has one small twin bed and a stove. It has a glass window that you can see the stuff inside. The cabin is cozy and simple. This attraction is located inside another business. You have to drive towards the back of this hotel to see it. It is also located next to this beautiful, huge rock formation. It was worth it for me. I was a fan of John Wayne.

I didn't even know this place was a thing until I was mapping out our Spring Break road trip! It…read morejust so happened we were going to be driving right by here, so we decided to make a stop. My oldest had just recently watched the movie, so she remembered the scene. They have signs to clearly mark where to stop based on the movie. And there is parking available along the road in several spots so you can stop and take your photos. There are also some vendors with booths selling items for the Navajo Nation. It was VERY windy when we were there. Also, be careful with all the cars driving through.

This photo spot is quintessential for any road trip going towards (or even away from) Oljato…read moreMonument Valley. Cameras just don't do it justice -- it's really impressive to stop, get out of your car, and just take in the vastness of the valley and the land formations in the distance. It really embodies the spirit of America that I think makes this country special and beautiful. There are a handful of vendors around the area mostly selling native American creations and snacks. It makes sense, given that even though this is just a quick photo-op spot, the foot traffic is WILD. There were so many cars stopping for pics; it's kind of difficult to get a photo without anyone in it and it is HIGHLY discouraged to try to get a pic in the middle of the road because cars come FAST, and some of the hills can make it challenging to see when they're coming. But definitely at least get a pic on the side of the road!

A must see/stop on your way to Four Corners Monument. Just off US 160. Such a wonder to behold…read more Time and the elements have sculpted this natural masterpiece. I can only behold of its beauty in amazement.

You drive past it and Mother earth delivers us with Baby Rocks! About 5 min from Kayenta you'll…read moresee these sandstone formations from your car. Named for the wind and rain eroded walls that seemingly have formed thousands of "babies" hanging onto them. I also read it "tells of a Navajo legend of a girl who refused to share bread with her sister. She is now one of the standing spires of this collection of Morrison and Zuni sandstone images." The settlement inside baby rocks was a neat surprise, baby rocks as their backyard!

Our mission was to finally visit Four Corners Monument, and it did not disappoint. It was so cool…read moreto join with others who have a shared desire to visit 4 states at once: Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado. It wasn't extremely busy when we visited, but it was overcast and very windy. We stood in a short line to have our photos taken at the iconic point. Everyone was super friendly and was helping families take photos. They have vendors situated around the outskirts, and they sell some pretty amazing stuff! I was super excited to buy a painting, painted on a rock, some horse hair pottery and a pretty silver ring! Admission is $10/person, no cash accepted, which honestly feels a little steep, but everything is pricey these days. Happy to be able to check this one off our bucket list!

So this is one of those places whose fame is by pure coincidence -- where four states (Utah,…read moreColorado, New Mexico, Utah) meet. Because it's on Navajo Nation land, it's a bit of a tourist trap, but is probably worth a visit once. After lots of driving through reservation land, the roadway into the monument comes off US 160 in New Mexico, just before the Arizona border. It's easy to miss if you're looking for something understated and "national monument"-like, since the big painted sign feels a bit loud and commercial. Entrance to the monument costs $10/person (plastic only). The monument itself is a large sunken concrete plaza, showing the four state borders, and with a USGS medallion in their center. Cue visitors taking lots of pictures of their group "standing in four states at once!" If it sounds a little cheesy, well, it is, but it's still fun (at least until you've been waiting several minutes while a family insists on taking every combination of every kid and parent in different poses while dozens of other folk are waiting for the chance to do the same thing). Surrounding the plaza are some markers about how the borders were surveyed and drawn (trivia item: more accurate survey techniques confirm that the existing borders are really not correct in their latitude and longitude), but have become so traditionally set that court challenges to them have been defeated. Around the edges of the plaza are a lot of permanent booths where local folk sell arts and crafts and souvenirs and other bric-a-brac. Would I go again? Probably not. Do I regret going once? Nah. It was fun.

Absolutely stunning scenery and a true icon of the American West: Monument Valley is a must-see,…read morebut it's not without its quirks! The place gets extremely crowded, especially with tour buses (including a lot of Taurus-branded ones), which can make the visitor center feel hectic. Be prepared to pay a separate entrance fee since the park is on Navajo reservation land, and your National Parks pass won't work here. If you want to experience everything, you'll definitely need a 4x4 vehicle. The main loop is a rugged, unpaved dirt and gravel road, and there are some sketchy spots that really call for higher clearance and four-wheel drive. Regular cars can technically make it, but you'll be glad for the extra power and stability if you hit rough patches or deep sand. Inside the park, there are a few restaurants, but the food is just okay and pretty pricey. Still, the real draw is the landscape: jaw-dropping buttes and mesas that have starred in countless movies and photos. Every corner offers another incredible view, and there are endless opportunities for amazing pictures. Despite the crowds and rough roads, it's a five-star destination for anyone who loves dramatic scenery and film history!

I was unable to check in. There was no internet at the time. We never get tired of visiting…read moreMonument Valley. The scenery is breathtaking with the monuments reaching for the sky. Most of the photos are taken at the Forrest Gump area. It is possibly the most visited area for photos. Visit if you're able. There are no facilities until you exit the park. Make sure you have water and the vehicle is gassed up.

Monument Valley is absolutely incredible. This is a Navajo Tribal Park, meaning it's on Navajo…read moreland, tribal land, so there is a fee to enter and explore the park that's independent of any tour fees you may have. It's $20 for 1-4 people in one car and additional people will be $5 (not 100% sure if that's per person or just anything over 4, I'm guessing it's per person though). If you come during the day (between 8 am and 2 pm), you could drive around about 50% of the park by yourself on a self guided tour. Be careful though because the roads are all dirt roads and your car will be covered in a layer of red dust by the time you leave the park. We could easily tell just from the cars parked in the parking lot who had just come from the park and who hadn't gone yet. For my family and I, we booked a guided tour, which I would HIGHLY recommend if you're interested in learning about the meaning behind all the mesas, buttes, and spires you'll see throughout the park and especially if you're interested in learning about Navajo history and get a small glimpse into their way of life. If you're here just for the photos of the cool rock formations though, then I'd say you probably wouldn't enjoy the tour as much and would recommend that you just get here early enough (probably 12 pm at the latest because the park closes to self guided tours by 2 pm) to drive through the park yourself. I love learning about the meaning behind everything though, how Monument Valley even came to be, why each rock formation is named what they're named, how the Navajo people live in this area, etc., so the guided tour was very worth it to me. PLUS, on the Navajo-guided tours, they can bring you into the park after 2 pm, so you can do sunset tours with them and ALSO have full access to the park, which is 50% more than what is accessible on a self-guided tour. Part of the reason is because a lot of these roads go through land upon which Navajo currently reside, so they only want guided tours have access to these roads and the other reason is because a lot of these pathways are much more difficult to drive through and require the skills of those who are used to driving them day in and day out. All in all, Monument Valley is 100% worth a visit. We were coming from Page, and it is really close by from there and was definitely worth the 2 hour drive over. Monument Valley is located right on the border between Arizona and Utah, so if you're anywhere within that vicinity, stop by and check it out! You will not be disappointed! :)

It's a huge area with giant rocks that have cultural ties to the indigenous people in the area…read more It's worth it to stop and see!

This is one of the West's most famous rock art sites, with a high density of petroglyphs. It was…read morebreath-taking as this is a massive expanse of rock all covered in etchings that are as old as 2,000 years ago. It had me contemplating our current existence and what things would look like 2,000 years from now. It was right off the road with a small parking lot with vault toilets. I came during the off season so the lot was empty, but it gets busy enough that there are traffic signs preventing people from parking on the road. Free to park and walk on the sidewalk to the cliff face.

NOTE: This petroglyph wall is not located in Monticello, but outside of town about 30 minutes. It's…read moreon Highway 211, on your way from US-191 into the Needles District of Canyonlands. I fixed the pin drop marker here on Yelp, but these things can be finicky. It's marked and on the side of the road, but GPS crowds can set to: 37.9879209, -109.5188924. Man, I really love this spot. I mean, it's a nice little get-out-and-stretch and won't take you more than a few minutes, but it's a nice roadside pull-off when you're already off and rolling on adventure. I first visited in 2005 or so and was struck by just how prolific all the petroglyphs are. Sometimes you only see a few in one place, but here at Newspaper Rock, it's plastered with characters. Pull off the highway, park, and walk up the paved path. It'll take you less than two minutes, so almost anyone from grandma to the little ones can make it. There's a small fence at the base of the rock to keep you from touching the panel, but you get a front row seat to the artwork. This is very near a campground, but there is a small toilet facility here so you can hit that up before you get into the park, or out to Lockhart, or wherever your travels are taking you. Note that this is not the only panel in the area. If you keep driving, pay attention to the cliffs and the walls around you--you can spy a few characters. But they're sparse, and in comparison to this amazing display, they may barely register. That's what makes this mysterious spot (but why were ancient inhabitants all tagging it???) so wonderful.

Goosenecks State Park was a nice stop during our trip through southeastern Utah. The entrance fee…read morewas only $5 per vehicle, and we enjoyed spending some time exploring the dramatic river canyon views. It seems like it would be an even more memorable experience for those camping overnight. Unfortunately, it was extremely windy during our visit, which limited how long we stayed, but it was still worth the stop to see this unique landscape.

What an amazing location! Another wonder of nature. At only a $5 cover charge you can experience…read morethe force of water and the power it has to transform land. Easy access, plenty of parking, clean restrooms, and they offer a camping area.