Bluff, Utah: base for San Juan River, Valley of the Gods, Mexican Hat and Natural Bridges National Monument

Bluff is situated in San Juan County, Utah at an elevation of 4,324 feet with approximately 320 residents. Drive time from Farmington, New Mexico is approximately 2 hours and straight forward. Most restaurants, hotels, attractions, gas stations are located on the main street. It is a convenient base for exploring the San Juan River, Ancient Publeon ruins, Monument Valley/ Valley of the Gods, and Natural Bridges National Monument.

Lodging:

While there are several options available- we chose Bluff Gardens ( https://thebluffgardens.com/) and it was excellent!

1-800-595-7607 ADDRESS: 550 East Main Street Bluff, UT 84512 EMAIL: BluffGardensCabins@gmail.com Google Maps–https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bluff+Gardens+Cabins/@37.2823834,-109.5549591,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!3m7!1s0x8739e1b5a467a9af:0xa6f1b7eb65d62cc0!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d37.2824361!4d-109.5527661

The cabins are spacious with a large bathroom, bedrooms, sitting area, full kitchen and an outdoor patio. The rear of the cabin overlooks the scenic mesas. Each cabin has a designated parking area near its entrance with good lighting for night arrivals. The cabin is clean, and provides all the necessary amenities to do your own cooking. On the web page- check out Cabin 7 photos- that where we stayed!

Food:

Note: The majority of restaurants in this Utah region are CLOSED on Sundays! So be prepared with cooking in your hotel, buying premade at the grocery store on Saturday, or going the fast food route- almost all gas stations have some type of fast food- from Subway to hot dogs, burgers, etc.

We didn’t eat in Bluff- one meal we had in Mexican Hat and the other was a Subway on a Sunday evening.

Things to do:

Wild Expeditions- https://www.riversandruins.com/

2625 US-191, Bluff, UT 84512 PHONE: (435) 672-2244 CONTACT: https://www.riversandruins.com/contact-us?gclid=Cj0KCQiAq5meBhCyARIsAJrtdr445tXnVnZJ_63naAarYT137PZywUHAr7oljyKPbpxyRjKAscmw_loaAol2EALw_wcB

GOOGLE MAPS: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wild+Expeditions/@37.2876914,-109.5440786,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8739e1d06d3c2dd9:0xffed4e61035dd62d!8m2!3d37.2876914!4d-109.5418845

We chose to do the one day River and Ruins Float Trip. The trip works as follows:

Meet at the store location- check in, sign consent forms, fitting for life jackets. Make sure you apply sunscreen, pack a hat, and on cool days a sweater. Don’t forget the sunglasses. You will receive a dry bag that can be clipped to your raft to keep belongings dry. It is advisable that wallets and other valuables be left safely on dry land.
You will then be driven in a van to the water entrance. There are 2 types of craft available- a group raft and individual or two man kayaks. The current on the river can be strong- so beginners should check with the group representative regarding the water conditions and manageability.
You will receive basic instruction and then the water craft will be launched. Since you are going downstream- the current is going to take you before all the boats get launched- so go with it- a group rep will be in the water to keep pace with you.
The river has a number of tree/rock outcroppings in the center as well as both sides- give a wide berth when steering around them- bumping into them will cause you to capsize- and yes, it does happen.
The float down the river is gorgeous- make sure you look behind you to appreciate the many viewpoints!
At approximately the 1/2 way point (4 miles)- you will stop and climb up to Butler Wash (the Big Kachina Panel) to study the petroglyph panel with your Native American guide. Don’t worry- you will have plenty of time t.o take pictures.
Once back in your water craft you will finish your journey down the river. At the final stop you will have an opportunity to use an outdoor bathroom bucket and then recline on chairs, enjoying the amazing views while you eat lunch- sandwiches, chips, fruit.
From here- you will board a jeep to travel to the River House Ruins- an Ancient Puebloan cliff dwelling along the San Juan River. Your Native American guide will provide you with historical information. Look for the many petroglyphs!
Lastly you will take the jeep along Comb Ridge, passing Historic Hole in the Rock Pioneer trail. You will pass San Juan Hill and stop briefly to see the road built by pioneers in 1880 when settlers originally settled Bluff Fort
Lastly you will twist and turn your way back to the highway in a thrilling adventure before returning to your car.

The tour runs approximately 6.5 hours from 9 am- 3:30 PM and it is a well put together, highly organized adventure that allows you time to explore the river and ruins virtually alone. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and safety focused.