Why Utah's Valley Of The Gods North Of Monument Valley Is Also Worth Visiting
The Valley of the Gods is undeveloped and overlooked where visitors can roam the majestic rock formations of the Southwest.
SUMMARY
Valley of the Gods is a hidden gem in Utah with stunning sandstone formations, similar to Monument Valley but without the restrictions.
Visitors can explore the undeveloped and free to visit area by driving the 17-mile loop road and camping, hiking, or backpacking throughout the valley.
The lack of designated campgrounds and trails creates a sense of freedom and allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes.
The Valley of the Gods is one of the many places to explore in Utah very close to Arizona's iconic Monument Valley just across the state line. The Valley of the Gods is located in southeastern Utah and is a part of the larger Bears Ears National Monument (the newest national monument in the country). It is famous for its scenic sandstone formations of mushroom rocks, towers, mesas, and buttes.
Undeveloped and overlooked, the Valley of the Gods is the ideal wilderness to wander and roam at will. Here's why travelers should visit while exploring Utah.
Note: The Valley of the Gods should not be confused with Colorado's Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
The Valley Of The Gods: The Hidden Gem Similar To Monument Valley
The Valley of the Gods is one of the attractions in San Juan County, Utah close to the bizarre rock formation Mexican Hat. The rock formations of the valley are reddish-brown and are noted for their natural beauty and breathtaking formations. The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Rock Formations: Sandstone Monoliths, Pinnacles, Towers, Buttes
Like other places in the region, the rock formations have been eroded by the relentless forces of wind and water over the course of millions of years. Over millions of years, as the region uplifted, it was eroded by ice, wind, and water carving the distinct sandstone pillars and other rock formations seen in the area today. The rocks are a mosaic of gold, red, brown, and purple hues.
Some of the more notable formations in the valley include the Setting Hen Butte, De Gaulle and His Troops, Rooster Butte, Seven Sailors Butte, and Lady in the Bathtub.
The Valley of the Gods is full of breathtaking unspoiled landscapes. It is not for naught that it is nicknamed 'mini Monument Valley' and was the filming location for two episodes of the BBC's TV show Doctor Who. It is a great place to escape the crowds that can throng the more famous Monument Valley.
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Visiting The Valley Of The Gods: The Unrestricted Cousin To Monument Valley
The Valley of the Gods is one of the attractions in San Juan County, Utah close to the bizarre rock formation Mexican Hat. The rock formations of the valley are reddish-brown and are noted for their natural beauty and breathtaking formations. The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Rock Formations: Sandstone Monoliths, Pinnacles, Towers, Buttes
Like other places in the region, the rock formations have been eroded by the relentless forces of wind and water over the course of millions of years. Over millions of years, as the region uplifted, it was eroded by ice, wind, and water carving the distinct sandstone pillars and other rock formations seen in the area today. The rocks are a mosaic of gold, red, brown, and purple hues.
Some of the more notable formations in the valley include the Setting Hen Butte, De Gaulle and His Troops, Rooster Butte, Seven Sailors Butte, and Lady in the Bathtub.
The Valley of the Gods is full of breathtaking unspoiled landscapes. It is not for naught that it is nicknamed 'mini Monument Valley' and was the filming location for two episodes of the BBC's TV show Doctor Who. It is a great place to escape the crowds that can throng the more famous Monument Valley.
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Visit Navajo Bridge As It Takes Visitors Across The Grand Canyon (& Has Its Own Visitor Center)
Visiting The Valley Of The Gods: The Unrestricted Cousin To Monument Valley
The Valley of the Gods is open to the public and is free to visit. No services are provided by the BLM in the valley - although camping is permitted (campfires are prohibited). However, there is a bed and breakfast located by the western entrance to the Valley of the Gods.
Admission Fees: Free
Open Season: Year Round
Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Camping
Hiking Trails: No Official Hiking Trails
One of the benefits of exploring the Valley of the Gods is that the area offers similar attractions to Monument Valley but without restrictions. Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Nation and much of the area requires a Navajo guide or a tribal permit for hiking in the backcountry.
The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American Reservation in the United States.
There are no designated campgrounds or trails in the valley (so visitors need to be self-sufficient when camping there). Those wanting to stay overnight can camp, alternatively, there are comfortable lodging options at Mexican Hat nearby.
The lack of designated hiking trails is part of the reason why this stunning area remains overlooked. Visitors here are free to roam among the gods.
The Valley of the Gods is best visited during the shoulder season; the summers can be brutally hot. Stay until the evening to see the spectacular sunsets and then stay on to see the brilliant starry night sky light up over the desert landscapes.
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Drive The 17-Mile Grave Loop Route In The Valley Of The Gods
The main access through the Valley of the Gods is a 17-mile (or 27-kilometer long) gravel road that winds its way around the various rock formations in the valley. The road is designated San Juan County Road 242 and while a little rough, is drivable for normal cars during the dry season.
Main Access Route: Utah State Route 261
Length: 17-mile or 27-kilometer Loop
The western part of the road connects with Utah State Route 261 just before the road ascends the Cedar Mesa. The eastern end of the road starts at the settlement of Mexican Hat on U.S. Route 163. The Utah State Route 261 follows the course of the seasonal Lime Creek and explores a number of buttes and pinnacles.
The road crosses a number of washes, and it takes around one or two hours to drive. Note that weather conditions can impact the suitability of the road for passenger cars.
In addition to Route 261, there are a number of off-road dirt tracks that branch off from the loop road and zig-zag through the valley.
