Monument Valley, UT.

 Our first day in Monument Valley, we entered from the south along Hwy 163 out of Arizona and entered San Juan County UT.

 Even the views outside the Tribal Park are stunning.

 We got ourselves checked into Goulding's RV Park just a few miles away from the Tribal park itself. We arrived without reservations, so were put in a 4 spot area just outside the main RV area. We still had full hook ups and an even better view out our front window.

 A few days later and it was off to Monument Valley and the sights we had come here to see.

 Once inside the park ($20.00 entrance fee) you are greeted with this amazing and iconic view. We checked out the visitor center and museum and then were off on the 17 mile self guided backcountry loop. The road is pretty rough in places but any high clearance vehicle would have no problem. Matter of fact we saw several small cars on the loop, we hoped they were rentals, again glad we have a Jeep.

 Ok, enough talking, I'll leave you with a few shots of our trip around the park.

Another great day out. The entire southern Utah area is just amazing. Yes I know, it's just another desert to some, but if you can make your way out there, the landscapes can be magical.

Ok, finally caught up with the blog from our time in the Monument Valley area. We are now (as I may have said before) at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas. We'll be here until the 3rd and there's lots to explore out here (besides the strip) not our cup of tea. So stay tuned for "Las Vegas" off the beaten path. We'll see you then.

A Drive Amonst the Gods

 Valley of the Gods, UT that is. Another one of those amazing places that we didn't realize was so close to Monument Valley. Valley of the Gods is similar (although not as impressive) as Monument Valley, the main difference is VoG is on BLM land (as opposed to Tribal land) and therefor not as restrictive. You are required to stay on the marked trails, but can hike and camp most anywhere and of course no entrance fees.

 The roadway starts out mundane enough, just your average drive through the desert from either direction.

 But the farther in you go, the more scenic it becomes.

 Then the next thing you know, your right in the middle of some of the most beautiful landscapes you have ever seen.

 The road (trail) is 17 miles of dirt and rock connecting UT 261 and US 163, approximately 30 miles north of Monument Valley.

Monument Valley in the distance.

What a great day out and definitely a must see/do if you are in the area. Like most off the beaten path areas, a high clearance vehicle is recommended and depending on the recent weather, 4 wheel drive may be needed.  But if you can make it, do it, you won't be sorry.
Ok, another check mark on the bucket list and a lifetime memory. Thanks for coming along and we'll see you back here next time for our trip through Monument Valley.

The Moki Dugway along Utah Hwy 261

 While exploring southern Utah and checking the maps for places to go, I ran across this squiggly little line in the road, but didn't think much of it. The map cautions of a steep grade but that was about it. I had also heard of this area from some reading I had done, but it really wasn't on my radar of someplace to check out.

 That was until I left Goosenecks State Park in search of the Valley of the Gods road and ran across this sign which immediately peaked my interest. My first thought was, now that's my kind of road, so I just had to check it out.

 All the signs were right, this road is steep, narrow and one lane in many places as it switch backs up the cliff face gaining 1100 feet in just 3 miles.

However, once you start up you are rewarded with amazing views and they just keep getting better the higher you go. There is a turn out near the top from which you can see what seems like forever.
The Moki Dugway is on State Hwy 261 just north of Mexican Hat and connects with Hwy 93 to the north. So if you happen to be out this way and think what a great short cut to Hwy 93, think again if your towing or driving a large vehicle (Motorhome).
In the second to the last shot you can see a dirt road heading off into what looks like nowhere, however that is the site of our next adventure, but you'll have to stay tuned for that one. So until then, we'll see you next time right back here for more adventures in Southern Utah.

A Mexican Hat and Some Goosenecks

 Ahhhhh, we are here at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas with good wifi and my back is starting to calm down enough to sit at the computer for a bit. So, let's play catch up. We spent 4 days in Monument Valley, however after our arrival I noticed there were several other places I had been wanting to see, which were actually pretty close.

 One of the sights was Mexican Hat, a small town of 88 here in southern Utah. The town get's it name from this unique rock formation just outside of town. It's much larger than any photo can show, but you get the idea as this sombrero shaped rock balances precariously on it's narrow base. One of those thing you wonder just how much longer it will be around. Ok, maybe not the most interesting sight, but still pretty cool to see.

 The next sight on the list of things to see was Goosenecks State Park in southern Utah.

As you can see, Goosenecks gets it's name from the tightly snaking San Juan river in this area. The park is basically a large parking area with dry camping allowed anywhere. However the views take center stage here. From the edge (no guard rails) it's a 1000' drop strait down to the river and can actually give you a bit of vertigo. There are two small areas that do have a barrier to keep you from tumbling over the edge, but for the most part you can walk up and stand right on it. If you happen to find yourself there, watch you kids and pets!!!

We'll be staying here in Las Vegas until the 1st, the park itself is probably one of the nice military parks we've been to. We are both not gamblers and have no desire to hit the strip. however there are plenty of natural wonders in the area to explore, so we'll be hitting those up for sure. Thanks for following along and we'll still be playing catch up for the next few days, so stay tuned for more!!!

Monument Valley, Utah

We arrived in Monument Valley yesterday after a bit of a rocky start (more on that later). We had planned on staying at the Tribal Park Campground (no hookup) but after some discussion we decided to stay at Goulding's RV Park w/full hook ups, just down the street. We have several day trips planned so this is just a quick glimpse of things to come. So Stay tuned and we'll update as the wifi allows.