Valley Of The Gods Information - Daniel Hughes Photo Tours

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Valley Of The Gods Details & Maps

About Valley Of The Gods
Location Information
Operating Hours/Seasons
Reservations/Permits/Fees
Facilities and Opportunities (including trails, camping, concessions)
Map of Valley Of The Gods
Map of Utah

About of Valley Of The Gods

Access to this majestic valley is via a 16-mile dirt road that winds through sandy washes and around towering monuments connecting Utah routes 261 NW and 163 NE on either side of Mexican Hat. The road is not smooth, but it is well maintained and accessible with most two-wheel drive vehicles.

Do not visit during the summer, when temperatures are scorching. Flash floods can also occur during summer months, preventing travel through the many cottonwood-studded washes. There are no bathroom facilities, campgrounds, running water or other services along the unpaved drive. But Mexican Hat has three motels, several restaurants, gas stations and a general store in Mexican Hat. There is also a newly established Valley of the Gods bed and breakfast at the west entrance to the valley drive, (970) 749-1164.

Nearby attractions include the dramatic Mokee Dugway Road that ascends an impressive 2,500-foot wall in three miles on the way to Natural Bridges National Monument (no motorhomes allowed), Muley Point, the Goosenecks State Park (scenic access point along the San Juan River) and, of course, Monument Valley just 25 miles to the south.

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Location Information

Location:
Mexican Hat, Utah

Address/Telephone:
San Juan County Travel Council,
P.O. Box 490, Monticello, UT 84535;
(800) 574-4386.

Directions / Transportation:
Access to this majestic valley is via a 16-mile dirt road that winds through sandy washes and around towering monuments connecting Utah routes 261 NW and 163 NE on either side of Mexican Hat. The road is not smooth, but it is well maintained and accessible with most two-wheel drive vehicles.

Back to Valley Of The Gods Details List

Operating Hours / Seasons

Open all year

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Reservations / Permits / Fees / Regulations

	No entrance fee.
	Plan to store your own trash as there are no public dumpsters.
	The park is a no discharge area and time permitting, park rangers may request permission to board your vehicle.

Canyon Country Minimum Impact Practices

Each year, millions of visitors enjoy Canyon Country. The impact of so much use is threatening the area's biological and cultural resources. You can help protect this fragile and beautiful land by following these five minimum impact practices.

Tread lightly when traveling and leave no trace of your camping. Drive and ride only on roads and trails where such travel is allowed; hike only on established trails, on rock, or in washes. Camp at designated sites or, where allowed, at previously used sites. Avoid placing tents on top of vegetation and use a camp stove instead of making a campfire. Unless signs indicate otherwise, leave gates open or closed as you find them.

	Help keep Canyon Country clean. Pack out your trash and recycle it, clean up after less thoughtful visitors, and dispose of human waste properly.
	Protect and conserve scarce desert water sources. Camp at least 300 feet from isolated water sources to allow for wildlife access. Where possible, carry your own drinking water. Leave potholes undisturbed and wash well away from pools and springs.
	Allow space for wildlife. When encountering wildlife, maintain your distance and remain quiet. Teach children not to chase or pick up animals. Keep pets under control.
	Leave historic sites, Native American rock art ruins and artifacts untouched for the future. Admire rock art from a distance and never touch it. Stay out of ruins, leave artifacts in place, and report violations.