The Abajo Mountains, also known as the Blue Mountains, are a small mountain
range located west of Monticello and north of Blanding.
Although Abajo means 'low' in Spanish, the range peaks at 11,362 feet at Abajo
Peak. Scenic drives lead through the pleasant mountain scenery, climbing out
of the red rock desert and into the aspen and fir-timbered peaks.
The
Abajo Loop
crosses the mountain range, peaking around 9,000 feet and ending on the north
side of the range near Hwy 211 near Canyonlands National Park. South Creek
Road, a spur road on the Abajo Loop, continues to the top of Abajo Peak for
views of Canyonlands National Park and southeastern Utah.
The
Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway
(FR-079) near Natural Bridges National Monument climbs over 8,700 feet in
elevation onto Elk Ridge, and through the Bears Ears Buttes.
Winter recreation
access for groomed cross country ski trails, backcounty skiing, snowshoeing,
and snowmobiling can be found 5 miles west of Monticello on FR-105/Co Rd-101
at the Dalton Springs Trailhead. To access the trailhead from
Monticello, turn west onto 200 S next to the Visitor Center.
Great alpine mountain biking can also be found in the Abajo Mountains.
Popular trails include; Robertson's Pasture, Bulldog, Shay Ridge, Spring
Creek, Wagon Wheel, and Indian Creek. Please visit our
Mountain Biking
page for more information.
Anglers seeking alpine solitude will find a few small lakes such as Loyd's,
Foy, and Monticello lakes with decent trout fishing. The remote and primitive
Dark Canyon Wilderness Area is located nearby.
Nearby Lodging Options
