Camp in the Valley of the Gods

Mexican Hat, Utah

5.0/5

based on 8 reviews

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Added by Mike Fennell

Discover the stunning and unique landforms of this humble valley in southeast Utah. A brilliant alternative to its touristy and pricey next door neighbor, Monument Valley, The Valley of the Gods will provide just as good if not better views, and allows for free camping at your choice of the dozens of spots along the 17 mile dirt road loop.

The dirt road loop is relatively smooth and can be driven on by just about any car, campervan, or RV. However, check the weather beforehand because some areas can become flooded after rain and will be a difficult mud crossing. It can be driven in either direction. One entrance is off Highway 163, 15 miles west of Bluff and 7 miles east of Mexican Hat, and the other entrance is off Highway 261, 10 miles northeast of Mexican Hat.

Once you've made it on to the road take your time enjoying scenic views of beautiful cedar mesa sandstone monoliths in every direction. These sandstone sentinels have been eroded by wind and water over the course of 250 million years. You may be able to see why they call it The Valley of the Gods by seeing the grand god-like faces carved into the profiles of these monoliths.

Along the 17 mile loop there are several car camping spots that can easily be identified. There are no markers or signs but if you see a open space off to the side of the road that has clearly been cleared out, then park your car and camp away. The only regulation that has been stated by the Bureau of Land Management is that there are no campfires allowed. Other than that, enjoy an immensely gorgeous backyard and embark on a long free roam hike.

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Camp in the Valley of the Gods Reviews

Isaac Parsons

Camp in the Valley of the Gods

12/10/19

Whether you have a little time or a lot of time to spend in this area you will not be disappointed. It is such an incredible area with amazing views, sights and places to explore!!

5.0

Mackenzie Anderson

Camp in the Valley of the Gods

04/21/18

Better views of the surrounding mesas and buttes than Monument Valley (in my humble opinion) and little to no crowds. A great, quiet, and remote spot not far off the highway.

5.0

Scott Sichler

Camp in the Valley of the Gods

12/08/17

We opted to stay at nearby Goosenecks State Park and did a day trip through here. Will definitely camp here next time. Beautiful and much less crowded than monument valley.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Raft the Lower San Juan River

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Camp at Goosenecks State Park

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Goosenecks Viewpoint Trail

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Hike the Honaker Trail

In the days of Utah's Wild West gold rush (circa 1890s), a man named Henry Honaker decided to build a supply route from the San Juan River to the cliffs tops, roughly 1200 feet, above. The roughly hewn trail that Henry built; aptly named the ‘Honaker Trail’ was to act as a supply route for the gold miners in the area. Sadly for Henry, the gold rush was short-lived (at least in this part of the ...

Camp at Muley Point

Muley Point on the southern end of the Cedar Mesa is one of the finest camping (and car camping) sites in North America, towering some 2400' above the San Juan River Canyon (and The Goosenecks State Park) looking south directly into the northern mouth of Monument Valley. It is a breathtakingly beautiful place and easily missed. To get there from the South, take Highway 163 north from Mexican Ha...

Raft the Upper San Juan

The "Upper" San Juan is about 27 miles of river, and can be completed in a 2-4 day float. It is a permitted river, and trips launching between April 15 - July 15 obtain permits through a lottery draw negotiated on https://www.recreation.gov/. Applications for this lottery are accepted through the December and January preceding the trip. The maximum number of people on one permit group is 25, an...

Camp in the Valley of the Gods

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Camp in the Valley of the Gods Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Raft the Lower San Juan River

Camp at Goosenecks State Park

Goosenecks Viewpoint Trail

Hike the Honaker Trail

Camp at Muley Point

Raft the Upper San Juan

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