Valley of the Gods was an unplanned and, roughly, unintended discovery that occurred a number of years in the past throughout certainly one of my earlier journeys to the southwest. I used to be conscious of the world and even flagged it on the map, however I used to be completely sure that I’d not have time to swing by the valley.
That yr I had two huge objectives to perform in japanese Arizona: to swing by the elusive Canyon de Chelly and to go to the Monument Valley in Utah for the primary time.
When I arrived on the Canyon de Chelly early within the morning, my plan was to dedicate a whole day to photographing the lesser-known National Monument. After sundown, the plan was to drive to the motel in Bluff to arrange for the subsequent day’s journey to Monument Valley.
After mountain climbing half the day in Canyon de Chelly and having fun with the right summer season climate, the Canyon was hit by a sudden and really sturdy storm within the early night. The wind was so highly effective that I used to be afraid of flipping my rental SUV. I had no alternative however to depart the world early and begin driving towards Bluff.
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As I approached Bluff, I noticed that the change in plans left me with none concepts for a sundown location. I wanted to decide quick. It simply so occurred that the Valley of the Gods was the closest flagged location on my customized Google Map. So, with out anticipating a lot, I drove to the valley.
Much to my shock, the Valley of the Gods grew to become essentially the most fascinating discovery of my complete journey.
What is the Valley of the Gods?
The Valley of the Gods is a backcountry scenic space in southeast Utah. It is situated south of the Bears Ears National Monument and east of Monument Valley.
It is known for its scenic rock formations, that are much like Monument Valley and are unfold round a comparatively small space of public land. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and, consequently, affords some benefits in comparison with different locations situated on Indian reservations.
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For instance, each Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly are situated on the Navajo Nation land and visiting each parks comes with many tribal restrictions. The most important restriction for adventurous vacationers is that you just can not discover the world by yourself; you should be accompanied by a Navajo information.
The Valley of the Gods doesn’t have such restrictions. Entrance into the valley is free. You don’t want a allow to go to the Valley and you may discover the world by yourself, any means you need.
Since solely a tiny portion of vacationers who come to Monument Valley is conscious of the Valley of the Gods, it affords a way of remoteness and solitude.
Valley of the Gods (Utah) Dirt Road
The solely strategy to discover the Valley of the Gods is to take the grime street that connects Highway 163 and Highway 261. It is a 17-mile clay and graded gravel street that’s comparatively flat and broad. It doesn’t require a excessive clearance or 4×4 car. You can drive it with any rental automobile.
But, like most clay roads in Utah, it turns into impassable when it’s moist. It is prudent to cease at any Bureau of Land Management workplace to inquire about street situations and the climate forecast.
You can enter the Valley of the Gods from both Highway 163 or Highway 261 and drive it clockwise or counterclockwise. I’ve pushed each instructions and don’t see any benefits to 1 over the opposite.
Valley of the Gods Camping
You are allowed to camp within the Valley of the Gods; you don’t want a allow. Camping is barely permitted in beforehand impacted areas. Do not overlook that it’s dispersed tenting with out water or amenities, which suggests you should be ready and totally self-sufficient.
Dogs are allowed however campfires will not be.
Valley of the Gods Hiking
Hiking is permitted wherever within the Valley of the Gods. The problem with this freedom is that the valley doesn’t have any established trails. You should create your personal itinerary.
In my case, it was a sequence of brief walks from the aspect of the street towards fascinating mesas and buttes. Sometimes, I walked across the formations looking for the perfect perspective for my pictures.
Valley of the Gods Map
When I drove alongside the Valley of the Gods grime street for the primary time, I had no concept what to anticipate so I merely tried to get pleasure from the brand new expertise. Only later did I uncover that just about each mesa, butte, and cliff within the Valley of the Gods has its personal title, reminiscent of Setting Hen Butte, Rooster Butte, Seven Sailors Butte, De Gaulle and His Troops, and Lady within the Bathtub.
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I returned to the valley as soon as extra to make sure I captured essentially the most fascinating landmarks. Later, I mapped them into Google Maps, which I’ve shared right here that can assist you plan your journey to the valley.
Here is a map with essentially the most fascinating rock formations within the Valley of the Gods.
If you intend to make the Valley of the Gods a part of your subsequent journey itinerary, you must also make time to go to two different fascinating spots close by.
Moki Dugway
Moki Dugway is situated a mile from the western entrance to the Valley of the Gods. It is three miles of 11% gravel switchbacks that climb the Cedar Mesa. It was initially a part of an ore mining operation however now serves as a public mountain crossing.
From the highest of the Moki Dugway, you’ll get pleasure from a wide ranging view of the Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley within the distance.
You can spot all of the named mesas and buttes within the valley and see the winding grime street you simply traversed.
Goosenecks State Park
Goosenecks State Park is situated 9 miles from the western entrance to the Valley of the Gods. It might be the smallest state park I ever visited.
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The essential attraction of the park is the overlook on two large bends of the San Juan River. The scale of the view is superb and unprecedented.
The go to to Goosenecks State Park will take an hour, at most, however it’s a must-see vacation spot.