Valley of the Gods- Utah (Mexican Hat)

 Mexican Hat, UT 84531 https://www.blm.gov/visit/valley-gods

Photos Courtesy of: Brendan Meehan, May 2022

LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 37.264526, -109.931702

DIRECTIONS: This road can be accessed from either Utah Highway 261 (about 10 miles northeast of Mexican Hat, Utah, or U.S. Highway 163, about 15 miles west of the town of Bluff, Utah, and seven miles east of Mexican Hat, Utah). Driving time is approximately one to two hours.

GOOGLE MAPS: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Valley+of+the+Gods/@37.2669731,-109.8362035,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8737421598182b3d:0x5e4ade8538ef225!8m2!3d37.2669731!4d-109.8340094

Hours: Open 24 hours

Length: 8.1 mi (13.0 km)

Elevation: 4,300 ft

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

  1. Road Conditions:
  2. Camping:
  3. Valley of the Gods or Monument Valley?
  4. Leave No Trace:
  5. Necessities:
  6. Map:
  7. Nearby Attractions:

Road Conditions:

The 17 mile loop through the Valley of the Gods is a graded gravel and clay surface road (San Juan County Road #242), that has a few sharp turns, and crosses several washes. Driving time is approximately one to two hours. It is suitable for passenger cars when the road conditions are dry. However, road conditions vary throughout the year with regional weather conditions. 

We drove this in a minivan- and while passable- there were sharp dips, numerous jutting rocks, several dry washes. This two way road that is best driven at low speeds. There are many turnouts for viewing the various structures. Be alert to grazing cattle in the road. If conditions are wet, it would be best to check with local residents regarding the safety in accessing the road.

Camping:

Numerous campers/ cars with tents were set up for the evening. No campfires are allowed.

Valley of the Gods or Monument Valley?

Monument Valley (https://navajonationparks.org/tribal-parks/monument-valley/)is approximately 32 miles (half hour) away from Valley of the Gods. There is no question that Monument Valley has more famous rock formations. So why would you choose Valley of the Gods? Well there are several reasons: 1) Valley of the Gods is free. Monument Valley (as of 1/23) charges $8/per person. You,can pre purchase admission tickets here at the bottom of the page-https://navajonationparks.org/tribal-parks/monument-valley/ 2) Monument Valley can have long wait times as admission to the park is controlled 3) Large crowds attend Monument Valley- whereas you are likely to have Valley of the Gods all to yourself. 4) Unless you take a guided tour- you must stay on the road and overlooks which are some distance from the formations. A guided tour allows you to come face to face with structures, iconic views not accessible from the road, and a chance to learn Navajo culture and daily living. Tour guides must be approved – you can access the list of tour operators here https://navajonationparks.org/guided-tour-operators/monument-valley-tour-operators/ Tours offer scenic, sunrise/sunset, stargazing and photography packages beginning around $70/person.

For us, it was really a simple choice of finances and location. We didn’t want to devote an entire day to Monument Valley although staying in the lodge for stargazing was extremely tempting. Unfortunately though by the time one factors in hotel, tour, and food the stop fell out of budget. Valley of the Gods offered a similar free opportunity, a short drive from our Bluff hotel which allowed us to add it as a late afternoon activity. Whether you see one or both- the views are amazing.

Leave No Trace:

Please be considerate and preserve this treasure for generations to come!

Necessities:

  1. No food, drinks or restroom on site. Please remember that many restaurants in Utah are closed on SUNDAYS- fast food is available at most gas station complexes. Plan accordingly.
  2. Be prepared with at least 2 Liters of water/person
  3. Hat, Sunscreen and Sunglasses
  4. Camera
  5. Make sure your car has adequate fuel before entering
  6. Admission: FREE

Map:

Valley of the Map courtesy of: https://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/mexican_hat/valley_of_the_gods.html

Valley of the Gods Collage- photos courtesy of Brendan Meehan– May 2022

Driving the Valley of the Gods Loop from the East Entrance on US Highway 163

0.5 miles — Scenic pull off. The SEVEN SAILORS formation is on your left (west). The SEVEN SAILORS appear to have flat sailor caps.

1.5 miles — SETTING HEN BUTTE can be viewed straight in front of you.

5 miles — BATTLESHIP ROCK is on your left (southwest).

5.7 miles — If you pull over at this point, look in your rear view mirror. The ROOSTER BUTTE, a monolith, will be visible to the south.

7 1miles — At this point, you begin to circleuupCASTLE BUTTE on your left.

8 miles q

15.5 miles — VALLEY OF THE GODS BED AND wBREAKFAST/LEE’S RANCH is at this point.

16 miles — You have reached Utah Highway W261. Turn left to go to the Goosenecks State Park, US 163, Mexican Hat and Monument Valley. Turn right to go up the Moki Dugway, and access Muley Point and Cedar Mesa. Utah Highway 95 is also to the right, which leads you to Natural Bridges National Monument.

Driving the Valley of the Gods Loop from the West Entrance on Utah Highway 261

  • Entrance — On your left (north), note Cedar Mesa which rises )1,100 feet above you.
  • Less than 0.5 miles — You have reached VALLEY OF THE GODS BED AND BREAKFAST/LEE’S RANCH.
  • 2.5-3.5 miles — The tall monolith to the left (north) is BALANCED ROCK.
  • 7.5 – 8.5 miles — The tall monolith to the north is CASTLE BUTTE.
  • 9 – 9.5 miles — ROOSTER BUTTE becomes visible to the south and BATTLESHIP ROCK is on the right (southwest).
  • 13.5 miles — To your right, you will be passing SETTING HEN BUTTE.
  • 15 miles — The SEVEN SAILORS formation with their flat, sailor caps are on the right (west).
  • Cross LIME CREEK to reach US Highway 163. Bluff is to the left. Mexican Hat is to the right.

Nearby Attractions:

 Gooseneck State Park- https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goosenecks/

Address: UT-316, Mexican Hat, UT 84531

Hours: 

Open 24 hours

Phone: (435) 678-2238

Elevation: 4,500 ft (1,400 m)

Established: 1962

Admission: $5.00 day-use fee per car with up to 8 people if no ranger use fee tube.

This park offers a scenic vista, about 1,000 feet above the winding San Juan River. Views are amazing. A certified Dark Sky Park.

Mexican Hat-

Serves as the name of its infamous rock formation that looks like a Mexican hat. It also is the name of the nearby town where you can access lodging, food, gas and other necessities. It is in close proximity to Monument Valley, Gooseneck State Park, Valley of the Gods and Mexican Hat.

Mexican Hat Rock Formation

ancient publeon Casa Riconda Chacoan Great Houses Chaco Culture National Historical Park cliff palace Hugo Pavi isla mujeres Junior Park Ranger program Kivas long house mesa verde Mesa Verde audio tour mug house National Park North Beach petroglyphs Petroglyph trail Pueblo Bonito Pueblo del Arroyo Recreation.gov reviews Square House Tower Supernova tour ultramar Una Vida Wetherill mesa whale shark snorkel