San Juan County Utah`s Canyon Country!

San Juan County
Utah’s Canyon Country!
The Worl
The World’s Greatest Outdoor Museum!
www.utahscanyoncountry.com
800-574-4386
Canyonlands National Park - Needles District
1
Hiking in the Needles District
Bursting with the awe inspiring natural icons of the Colorado Plateau, San Juan County, Utah
is indeed one of the world’s greatest outdoor museums. From Canyonlands National Park in
the north to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in the south, Utah’s Canyon Country offers
one of the best vacations ever!
Hiker at Druid Arch
Hikers in the Needles
Canyonlands National Park is a gem in the National Park crown, consisting of three distinct
areas: Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. The Needles is a remote and magical
place, easily accessed from San Juan County via Utah Highway 211 which joins US Highway
191 fourteen miles north of Monticello. Named for an area of tall, slender and graceful
sandstone formations, this section of the park offers over 60 miles of interconnecting trails into,
through, and among stunning canyon scenery. Highway vehicle parking accesses popular
hiking trails. And Squaw Flat Campground, Wooden Shoe Arch Overlook, Cave Spring,
Roadside Ruin, and Big Spring Canyon Overlook are all on easily traveled roads. The Needles
also provides challenging back-country adventure for 4 wheel drive enthusiasts with more than
50 miles of jeep roads and trails to campsites, trailheads, and park attractions. These routes require high-clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicles. Canyonlands National Park invites you to explore
a wilderness of countless canyons and fatastically formed buttes carved by the the Colorado
River, wind, and rain in the desert sandstone. Rangers present in-depth programs on many
aspects of the park. Interpretive programs are offered from March through October with
evening presentations most nights in the Squaw Flat Campground. Other programs are offered
throughout the season - the Visitor Center posts times and subjects. The campground is an
ideal base camp for day hikes to popular destinations in Chesler Park, to Druid Arch, and along
the Joint Trail. With 26 sites, bathrooms, fire grates, picnic tables, tent pads, and water, the
campground offers camping comfort. www.nps.gov/cany
2
3
Hidden deep in the greatest outdoor museum, Hovenweep National Monument offers the
experience of true exploration among its ruins and expertly camouflaged rock art. Structures
are found on the surface and in the canyons that were built by the Ancestral Puebloan people
who once thrived here. The focal point of the park are the towers, unique structures in the
southwest. But there are also residences, check dams, and granaries found tucked into overhangs and along canyon walls. The people who lived here over 10,000 years ago were hunter/
gatherers who foraged the landscape to gather plants and hunt game. By 900 AD settlements
began to appear and by the late 1200s Hovenweep was home to over 2,500 residents. The
towers were built between 500 AD and 1300 by people associated with the community at Mesa
Verde in what is now Colorado and other Four Corner communities. A variety of shapes and
sizes, including square and circular, define the towers, D-shaped dwellings, and kivas or
ceremonial chambers. The masons at Hovenweep were among the best among the Puebloans
and the work is as skillful as it is beautiful. Even the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National
Park rarely exhibit such careful construction and attention to detail. Some of the buildings
which were perched on top of bolders remain standing after more than 700 years. The people
prepared the land for cultivation much like farmers do today. They created terraces, formed
catch basins to hold runoff, and built check dams to retain topsoil. Storage granaries were built
under canyon rims to protect the harvests of corn, beans, and squash.
While we do not know what the towers were erected to accomplish, theories attempt to
explain their use. The towers might have been celestial observatories, defensive structures,
storage spaces, community buildings, homes, or any combination of the above. But, their actual
function remains a mystery. By the end of the 13th century the people at Hovenweep began leaving the area. Many believe they migrated south to New Mexico and Arizona.
www.nps.gov/hove
The night sky at Hovenweep
Hovenweep National Monument
4
Natural Bridges National Monument
5
Sipapu Bridge
At Natural Bridges our outdoor museum extends to the heavens. Named the first International
Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association, Natural Bridges provides an opportunity to view the night sky without obstruction. Astronomy programs are offered throughout
the summer under the star washed skies of southeast Utah. Stars and planets cover the sky as if
carelessly scattered for our enjoyment in one of the darkest night skies in North America. Programs allow visitors to enjoy the night sky without the interference of civilization’s light found
in almost every place we live.
The park also shelters three of the world’s largest natural stone bridges. Three majestic natural structures invite you to ponder the power of water in a landscape primarily defined by its
absence.. Paved trails lead from Bridge View Drive to overlook stations for each bridge and a
longer trail descends into White Canyon and allows hikers to walk beneath all three on a day
hike.
Evidence of previous cultures are also found in the park and Horsecollar Ruin is accessed along
one of the trails. The first residents left rock art and stone tools beginning around 7000 BC.
Sometime about 700 AD the area was home to farmers who used the mesa tops. Around 1100
AD new people moved into the area and built single family houses but by 1300 AD they had
begun to move away. In the early 1800s anglo explorers traveled through White Canyon.
National Geographic published photos of the bridges in 1904 and in 1908 President Theodore
Roosevelt established the National Monument, creating Utah’s first National Park facility.
www.nps.gov/nabr
Water at Natural Bridges
6
7
Formed by eons of stream action working on the rock, Rainbow Bridge is the world’s largest
known natural bridge. Inspiring people throughout time - from native cultures of long ago to
contemporary native people and the over 300,000 visitors each year - the bridge sits majestically
wihin its canyon walls near Lake Powell.
The bridge was “discovered” by the outside world only a hundred years ago. Louisa Wetherill
heard about it from a Navajo trader and convinced her husband, John, to lead the 1909
Cummings-Douglass expedition. Guided by Ute Mountain Ute, Jim Mike, and Piute, Najsa
Begay, the group reached the “rainbow” on August 14, 1909.
Rainbow Bridge spans 275 feet across Bridge Creek in an almost perfect parabolic arch. The top
of the arch is 42 feet thick and 33 feet wide. The bridge holds special spiritual significance to
native peoples of the area. The Park Service asks that visitors respect those beliefs as they
approach and move around the span.
Original party of “discovery.”
The rock at the base of the bridge are Kayenta Sandstone laid down by inland seas and winds well
over 200 million years ago! The bridge itself is Navajo Sandstone created as sand dunes originally
up to 5,000 feet deep (1524 meters) and subsequently hardened into rock. About 5.5 million
years ago the Colorado Plateau began to rise, the surface buckled and cracked, river channels grew
deeper, water flowed faster, and over time the bridge was formed.
Access to Rainbow Bridge National Monument is generally accomplished by boat from Lake Powell. Hardy visitors may acquire a permit from Navajo Parks and Recreation to take the two day
hike from the small community of Navajo Mountain.
www.nps.gov/rabr
A quiet canyon
on Lake Powell
Rainbow Bridge is one of the endlessly fascinating landforms
found in the outdoor museum that is San Juan County. Natural
bridges are rare and differ from arches in that they are formed
when a watercourse breaks through rock. Arches are more
common, although both are shaped by the same erosional
processes of wind and rain.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
A Rainbow Turned to Stone!
8
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ~ Lake Powell
9
Red rock and deep blue water define Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Hiking, boating,
fishing, exploring, camping, and remote and challenging back-country adventure are wating for
you at Lake Powell! Camp under crystal clear night skies; ski sparkling blue water within a canyon’s towering walls; enter one of the lake’s fishing contests and test your skill against the
stripers; visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument; explore intriguing canyons.
Enjoying Lake Powell
The Recreation Area encompasses over 1.2 million acres and offers unparalleled opportunities
for water-based & backcountry recreation. Stretching for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in
Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, Glen Canyon encompasses scenic vistas, geologic
wonders, and a vast panorama of human history. The entire eastern shore of Lake Powell is in San
Juan County and contributes to our outdoor museum with stunning scenery, hidden
canyons, and a fragile ecosystem. Canyons carved out by the Colorado River and its tributaries
expose rock layers deposited one over the other through time; the youngest rocks are at the top
and the oldest at the bottom. These rock layers reveal fossils and traces of past life forms, principally from the Mesozoic Era, 248 to 65 million years ago. Lush hanging gardens cling to vertical
cliff walls and are fed by springs flowing through porous rocks and cracks. When the water reaches
the walls of a canyon it seeps out of the rock and flows down, allowing plants to grow directly on
the cliff face and on the ground around the seep.
Boats of all sizes from small fishing craft to luxurious houseboats are available so you can build
your own museum of vacation memories.
www.nps.gov/glca
10
Monument Valley, the centerpiece of our outdoor museum, is spread across the Utah / Arizona
border at the southern edge of San Juan County and is one of the most photographed places on
earth! You’ve seen it in films, as the eye-catcher for ads, and on television. Now, see it in person!
Put yourself into the picture at the right.
The valley first burst upon the world in the films of John Ford. Stagecoach filmed in 1939 and She
Wore a Yellow Ribbon filmed shortly thereafter, were the first of many films using Monument
Valley as a background. You will see its iconic scenery in ads today on the screen, in print, and on
the internet.
Monument Valley displays its classic western scenery, unsurpassed beauty, and stunning red rock
formations to best advantage in the morning and evening when the sun drapes intense color over
the rocks and desert. Enjoy a tour with a native guide, shop for authentic native arts and crafts,
and view a screening of Among the Monuments and Earth Spirit at Gouldings Lodge. Visit the
indoor museums at Gouldings Lodge and the Navajo Park Visitor Center.
Sandstone monoliths tower to 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the valley floor, They are framed
by clouds casting shadows that roam the desert floor. The morning and evening sun accents these
graceful formations, providing scenery that is simply spellbinding.
The landscape overwhelms, not just by its beauty but also by its size. The fragile pinnacles of
rock are surrounded by miles of mesas and buttes, shrubs, trees and windblown sand, all
comprising the magnificent colors of the valley. All of this harmoniously combines to
make Monument Valley a truly wonder filled experience.
www.navajonationparks.org
11
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
12
Bureau of Land Management Lands
13
Our outdoor museum is primarily managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The
designated areas offer unlimited outdoor recreation opportunities.
Newspaper Rock Recreation Site, a cliff face covered with rock art dating from thousands of years
ago to the early part of the twentieth century, is a perfect place for a picnic on the way to
Canyonlands National Park.
Canyon Rims Recreation Area offers desert ‘gardens’ and scenic overlooks into the stunning canyons
of Canyonlands.
Beef Basin, remote and accessible only by 4 wheel drive/OHV, shelters ruins and rock art.
Comb Wash follows Comb Ridge and protects ancient home sites and rock art panels.
Cedar Mesa offers unparalleled hiking through one of the world’s largest living groves of juniper.
Grand Gulch Primitive Area encompasses a 50 mile canyon system and was home to many
Ancestral Puebloan people who left dwellings, artifacts, and rock art. A permit is required to hike
or camp in the Primitive Area.
Valley of the Gods is home to stunning free-standing monoliths, delicate spires of sandstone, and
long rock ‘fins’.
Enjoy camping, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and 4 wheel or OHV trail adventures. The BLM
also manages river activity on the San Juan River. Planning for outdoor activity in our BLM lands
requires carrying adequate water - 1 gallon per person per day; traveling with 2 or more vehicles when accessing remote areas, and leaving word with someone as to your destination and expected
time of return.
River House Ruin
Newspaper Rock Recreation Site
www.blm.gov/ut
14
15
Not all our outdoor museum is desert. Mountain peaks rise to nearly 13,000 feet (3,062 meters
and create islands of forest in the red rock country. These mountain ranges rise dramatically
from the plateau. The La Sal Mountains lie in the northern portion of our county while the
Abajo Mountains are at it's center.
The US Forest Service manages a number of recreational areas including the Abajo Mountains,
Elk Ridge, and the Dark Canyon Wilderness Area. Two recreation areas provide high elevation
adventure: Abajo-Harts Draw and Elk Ridge-Dark Canyon. Dark Canyon is both mountain
and desert beginning high in the Abajo Mountains and descending to the shore of the Coloardo
River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Elk Ridge lies between the mountain peaks
and the desert and offers recreation opportunities at a slightly lower elevation.
Pine, fir, and aspen forests thrive at these higher elevations and Gambel Oak, mountain mahogony, lupin, wild iris, and many other flowers and shrubs are found in mountain meadows and
along hiking, biking, horseback riding, jeeping, and ATVing trails. Comfortable temperatures
provide a cool respite during the searing summer heat encountered at lower elevation. Trails
leasd to sweeping views of the entire Four Corners regioin. Aspen trees splash gold across the
slopes in the fall and winter snow drifts in quiet splendor over the scenery.
Enjoy the sparkling night sky in US Forest Service campgrounds. View wildlife deep in the
forest where mule deer and wild turkey can be seen foraging in the brush. the more elusive
cougar and bear are there but seldom seen and eagles and hawks soar above the peaks.
www.fs.fed.us/r4/manitlasal
Manti La Sal National Forest
16
Edge of the Cedars State Park & Museum
17
Edge of the Cedars State Park & Museum is the premier museum in Utah’s Canyon Country.
The museum provides unique ‘visible storage’ which allows viewing of one-of-a-kind artifacts
normally kept in closed storage.
This portion of the Colorado Plateau is believed to have been densely populated during the time
the Ancestral Puebloan culture thrived in the canyons and on the mesas of San Juan County.
Visible Stgorage
This exquisite and intimate museum showcases that culture as well as other cultures dating back
11,000 years. Enter a residence and kiva or ceremonial structure that was built over 700 years
ago. View a unique Macaw feather sash which is believed to have been a trade item from Mexico
or South America. Examine a delicate loom found hidden in an alcove and wrapped carefully
against the elements. Inspect a ‘medicine’ basket discovered containing objects used by a member
of an ancient culture. Explore a number of items held in the visible storage with the computer
system that provides specific information about each item.
Edge of the Cedars is the only federal archaeological repository in the Four Corners region. The
facility hosts special exhibits, shows, and events throughout the year.
http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/edge-of-the-cedars
18
19
The Great Goosenecks of the San Juan River is the largest entrenched river meander in North
America and is one of the geologic high points of our outdoor museum. Within the 1,000 feet
(305 meters) between the park and the river 300 million years of geology is revealed in the layers
exposed by erosion. The oldest rocks, between 310 and 270 million years old, lie at the bottom of
the canyon; the youngest are all around you at the top.
The San Juan River twists and turns through sinuous ‘goosenecks’ as it flows toward Lake Powell traveling over 6 miles (10km) while it advances to the west only 1 mile (1.5km). Millions of years ago,
the land was relatively flat, and the river meandered across the surface. Then a period of uplift occurred and as the land rose, the river flowed faster and cut deeply into the land, creating this impressive entrenched meander.
At Goosenecks, the views extend for miles. Alhambra Rock is the dark volcanic intrusion that looms
on the horizon to the southwest. The buttes and spires of Monument Valley are farther to the southwest. Directly to the east rises the “Navajo Tapestry” or the Raplee Anticline, striations in the rock
layers of various colors, revealed by tipped up layers of earth called an anticline. And to the north the
Moki Dugway climbs the precipitous cliffs of sandstone to the top of Cedar Mesa.
This desert landscape reveals the underlying structure of the earth - a true outdoor museum!
http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goosenecks
A view from the top
Goosenecks State Park
The Goosenecks of the San Juan River
20
Four Corners Monument - Navajo Tribal Parks
21
Four Corners Monument marks the spot where four states, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and
Colorado, share a single point on the compass. This is the only place in the US where four states
come together in this manner.
The original marker was placed in 1912 as a simple cement pad but has recently been rebuilt in
granite and brass. The visitor center is open year round and provides a Demonstration Center
featuring Native American artisans. Vendors offer jewelry, crafts, and traditional foods.
Picnic tables, restrooms, and large vehicle parking are available. The area is very remote. Services
and accommodations within a 30 mile radius are very limited to small cafes, grocery stores, and
self-service gasoline stations. It is recommended that visitors bring water, snacks, hand wipes,
and extra toiletries when visiting. There is no running water, electricity, or telephones (including
cell service.) Dancin’ Horse hiking trail leads from the monument parking area to the top of Ute
Mountain Lookout Butte. The trail is approximately 0.3 miles and takes about 30 minutes to
complete. A trail map is available at the web site below. Backcountry hiking, camping, photography and filming permits are also available at the web site below.
The Monument is open from 8:00 am through 7:00 pm 7 days a week from May 1 through
September 30. It is open from 8:00 am through 5:00 pm 7 days a week from October 1 through
April 30. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and News Years Day. Admission is
charged at $3.00 person (ages 6 and under are free) - cash only.
http://navajonationparks.org/htm/fourcorners.htm
22
23
23
Gouldings Trading Post
While San Juan County is virtually an outdoor museum of ancient ruins and rock art, it is also home to ten indoor museums.
Bluff Fort: (Bluff) Ruins of the original fort built in the late 1800s, recently built 'pioneer' cabins and a new replica of the
original Mercantile building. 55 North 6th East 435-672-9995
Dead Horse Point State Park: (North County) Access via Utah Highway 313, north of Moab, the park is 2,000 feet above
the Colorado River. Hike along the rim nature trail and attend seasonal nature programs. Off Highway 313 435-259-2614
The Dinosaur Museum: (Blanding) The complete history of the world of the dinosaur through skeletons, fossilized skin, eggs, footprints, state of the art graphics, and realistic sculptures. View startling new aspects of some familiar dinosaurs. Enjoy displays of dinosaur eggs and explore the Hall of Hollywood Dinosaurs. 754 South 200 West 435-678-3454
Edge of the Cedars State Park & Museum: (Blanding) The only federal repository of ancient artifacts in the Four Corners
region. See pages 17 - 18. 660 West 400 North 435-678-2238
Frontier Museum: (Monticello) An original post-and-beam barn; displays include everyday items used on the edge of the
Great Sage Plain; early telephones, clothing, kitchen tools, and more. 216 South Main Street 435-587-3401
www.monticelloutah.org
Gouldings Museum: (Monument Valley) Visit the original trading post from the1920s. Displays include store items, the family residence, a history of film in the valley, and more. County Road 421 435-727-3225 www.gouldings.com
Hole-'n-the-Rock Home: (North County) On Highway 191 north of Monticello and the work of one miner and his family
who carved out a home in the cliff almost a century ago. Fourteen rooms arranged around huge snadstone pillars create this
unusual living space. 11037 North Hwy. 191 435-686-2250 www.theholeintherock.com
Huck's Anasazi Museum: (Blanding) Displaying one of the largest private collections of Ancestral Puebloan artifacts in the
region, including ancient and more recent items of interest. 1387 South Main Street 435-678-2329
Pioneer Museum: (Blanding) Located within the Blanding Visitor Center; displays of life in a small, rural community on the
Colorado Plateau and historic as well as contemporary quilts created by the Blanding Quilt Guild. 12 North Grayson Parkway
(US 191) 435-678-3662 www.blanding-utah.org
Pioneer Park: (Monticello) An outdoor museum containing replicas of historic Monticello buildings. S. Main Street.
www.monticelloutah.org
L to R Top: The Dinosaur Museum; Blanding Visitor Center Pioneer Museum; Gouldings Lodge Museum
Bottom: The Frontier Museum; Pioneer Park; Huck’s Anasazi Museum
24
25
L to R Top: San Juan County Fair & Rodeo; Lazy Ace
Triathlon; San Juan ATV Safari.
Middle: Trail Ride, San Juan ATV Safari; Fair Rodeo,
Golf Tournament at the Hideout Golf Club.
Bottom: Antique Tractor Pull
JANUARY
Annual Bluff International Balloon Festival, Bluff
Monument Valley Balloon Festival, Monument Valley
MAY
Blue Mountain Arts Festival, Blanding
Huff to Bluff Marathon & Half-Marathon, Blanding/Bluff
JUNE
Lazy Ace Triathlon, Monticello
Arch & Horsehead Golf Tournament, Monticello
Bull Hollow Motocross Races, Monticello
JULY
July 4th Celebration, Blanding
Hillman Triathlon, Blanding
Pioneer Day Celebration, Monticello
Quilt Show, Monticello
Couples Golf Tournament, Monticello
Emerson-Brantingham Big 4 Antique Tractor Pull, Monticello
Bull Hollow Motocross Races, Monticello
AUGUST
Hideout Amateur Golf Tournament, Monticello
San Juan County Fair & Rodeo, Monticello
Hideout Seniors Golf Tournament, Monticello
Bull Hollow Motocross Races, Monticello
SEPTEMBER
San Juan ATV SAFARI, County-Wide
Navajo Fair & Rodeo, Bluff
Ancient Trails Motorcycle Tour, County-Wide
OCTOBER
Bluff Arts Festival, Bluff
Newspapers Rock 10 K Race, Monticello
Hunting seasons begin county-wide.
DECEMBER
Christmas Light Parade, Monticello
For more go to www.utahscanyoncountry.com
Calendar of Events
26
Our Communities
La Sal
Elevation: 7,125 feet (2,134 meters) Population: 300
La Sal is an unrivaled outdoor playground offering recreation opportunities
throughout the year. Dirt roads lead to some of the best camping in Utah.
The name of the village is attributed to Spanish traders as early as 1750 who
refered to the snow capped peaks. Detailed information appears in the 1776
diary of Father Escalante’s exploration of the area on the Dominguez/Escalante Expedition. During the winter cross-country ski and snow-shoe trails lead
to adventure. In the summer the proximity of the desert and mountain offers
unlimited hiking, biking, and ATVing opportunities. Popular day tours include Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse Point State Park,
Canyon Rims Recreation Area, Manti-La Sal National Forest, and Looking
Glass Arch. Lodging, dining, and tours available. No web site.
Monticello
Elevation: 7,069 feet (2,155 meters) Population: 2,000
Sheltered by the Abajo Mountains, Monticello is a cool and peaceful summer
get-away. The Hideout Golf Course offers visitors a pleasant 18 hole linksstyle course with no crowds and perfect summer temperatures for an enjoyable
round. A variety of tournaments are held throughout the summer. The Lazy
Ace Triathlon is held in June as is the Arch & Horsehead Golf Tournament
and Bull Hollow Motocross Races begin, Pioneer Days and Antique Tractor
Pull in July, San Juan County Fair and Rodeo in August, and Newspapers
Rock 10K Race in October. Tour historic replicas in Pioneer Park and visit
the Frontier Museum for a glimpse into western frontier history. Popular
day tours include Canyonlands National Park, Canyon Rims Recreation Area,
Manti-La Sal National Forest, Needles and Anticline Overlooks. Lowry Ruin,
the Anasazi Heritage Center, and Mesa Verde National Park are all nearby in
Colorado. Monticello is a center for hunting in the fall. Full services.
www.MonticelloUtah.org.
Blanding
27
Elevation: 6,000 feet (1,830 meters) Population: 3,600
Blanding, ‘Base Camp to Adventure,’ is the gateway to the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway which encompasses Natural Bridges and Hovenweep National Monuments, Goosenecks State Park, and Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The trail connects with its eastern half in Colorado. Blanding
hosts Blue Mountain Arts Festival and the Huff to Bluff Marathon and HalfMarathon in May, 4th of July Celebration and the Hillman Triathlon in July.
Edge of the Cedars State Park & Museum offers ancient Puebloan artifacts
and an accessible ruin. Art shows, lectures, and other events are scheduled
throughout the year. Look into the distant past as you move among life-size
realistic dinosaur models, fossils, and skeletons at the Dinosaur Museum. Stand
by a 275 million year old tree, or stroll through the History Hall of Hollywood
Dinosaurs. The Nations of the Four Corners Cultural Center features home
sites typical of the area’s historic cultures: a Navajo hogan (ho’gone), Ute teepee,
Hispanic hacienda, and pioneer cabin. Huck’s Museum displays a collection of
Puebloan artifacts. Popular day tours include the Trail of the Ancients, Edge of
the Cedars State Park, Natural Bridges and Hovenweep National Monuments,
Grand Gulch Primitive Area, Goosenecks State Park, Monument Valley Navajo
Tribal Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area/Lake Powell, and the John
Atlantic Burr Ferry at Halls Crossing, which crosses Lake Powell on a regular
schedule. Full services. www.blandingutah.org
Bluff
Elevation: 4,380 feet (1,335 meters) Population: 300 The modern community of Bluff was founded by Mormon settlers who pioneered the Hole-in-theRock Trail. The original fort, Bluff Fort Historic Site, is still partially standing,
and Victorian era homes, some on the National Register of Historic Places,
provide a sense of life at the turn of the 20th century. A center of prehistoric
life, Basketmaker and Puebloan archaeological sites are nearby; Bluff is a
centerpiece of the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway. Sand Island,
with its many figures of Kokopelli, the humped back flute player of ancient
southwest mythology is easily accessible. Rock art sites abound in the area.
An unrestored ancient village site dating to 750-900 AD lies just below the
surface. Older still (dating from 1050-1250 AD) and also unrestored, a great
house, great kiva, and remnants of a pre-historic road are in evidence near the
community and represent one of the highest levels of architectural
sophistication found among ancient structures in the southwest. Bluff is the
site of the annual International Bluff Balloon Festival in January, Utah
Navajo Fair in September, and Bluff Arts Festival in October. Popular day
tours include Natural Bridges and Hovenweep National Monuments,
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Canyonlands and Mesa Verde National
Parks, Grand Gulch Primitive Area, and the San Juan River. Full services
available. www.bluffutah.org
Montezuma Creek
Elevation: 4,380 feet (1,335 meters) Population is not available for the community. Montezuma Creek, a small Navajo community, lies along Utah
Hwy. 162 east of Bluff, Utah. Lodging available. No web site.
Mexican Hat
Elevation: 4,244 feet (1,294 meters) Population (Mexican Hat): 110 Named
for the inverted stone sombrero northeast of the town, Mexican Hat boasts a
colorful history. Early in the last century over 1,000 people looked for gold,
oil, and uranium here. Today, the town is a popular starting and ending point
for adventures on the San Juan River. The Navajo Tapestry, a wavy geometric
pattern of colors in the rock strata, makes a multihued backdrop to the desert landscape. Popular day tours include Grand Gulch Primitive Area; John’s
and Slickhorn Canyons; Goosenecks State Park; Valley of the Gods; Natural
Bridges, Hovenweep, and Navajo National Monuments, and Monument Valley
Navajo Tribal Park. Full services available. No web site.
Monument Valley
Elevation: 5,200 feet (1,585 meters) The spectacular scenery of Monument
Valley Navajo Tribal Park is captivating year round. The sandstone formations
reveal their greatest beauty at sunrise and sunset and can easily be viewed from
the native surface road through the Tribal Park. Available services include a visitor center, campground, and restaurant in addition to guided tours. Gouldings
Lodge, on the opposite side of the valley provides lodging, dining, tours with
Navajo guides, a museum, a gift shop featuring hand-crafted Native American
items, a fully stocked grocery store, and a campground. The park is accessible
via the paved road to the headquarters and the dirt road which allows the visitor
limited access to the area. A permit from Navajo Parks & Receation or travel
with a native guide are necessary to explore the depths of the valley. Popular
self-guided day tours include Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park, Glen
Canyon National Recreation Area, and Navajo, Natural Bridges and Hovenweep National Monuments. Full services. www.navajonationparks.org or
www.gouldings.com
Other communities with no visitor services: Aneth, Eastland, Ucolo, Navajo
Mountain, and White Mesa. All are included on our web site:
www.utahscanyoncountry.com
28
Units
4
Blanding - www.blanding-ut.gov or blandingutah.org
ABAJO HAVEN GUEST
RANCH
Blue Mountain Road
Horses
&
435-979-3126
435-979-3115
abajohaven.com
17
STONE LIZARD LODGING
88 West Center
435-678-3323
stonelizardlodging.com
60
BLANDING SUPER 8
755 South Main St. (Hwy. 191)
800-800-8000
435-678-3880
super8.com
----
THE BLANDING
BUNKHOUSE
Stevens Road
435-678-3698
435-459-1537
blandingbunkhouse.
weebly.com
52
QUALITY INN
711 South Main St. (Hwy. 191)
435-678-3271
qualityinn.com
32
FOUR CORNERS INN
131 East Center (Hwy. 191)
800-574-3150
435-678-3257
fourcornersinn.com
55
GATEWAY INN
88 East Center (Hwy. 191)
435-678-2278
gatewayinnblanding.
com
19
PROSPECTOR LODGE
591 South Main St. (Hwy. 191)
435-678-3231
prospectormotorlodge.
com
1
RANCH CABIN
6198 S. Hwy. 191
435-220-1050
canyonlandslodge.com
Horses
&
Horses
&
LODGING
29
All lodging properties in San Juan County
comply with state law requiring they be
non-smoking properties.
Units
Bluff - www.bluffutah.org
7
COTTONWOOD CABINS
Highway 191
435-6722287
None
5
La POSADA PINTADA
Navajo Twins Drive
435-6722274
laposadapintada.com
36
DESERT ROSE INN &
CABINS
701 W. Main St., (Hwy
191)
888-4757673
435-6722303
desertroseinn.com
FAR OUT EXPEDITIONS
GUEST HOUSE
7th & Mulberry Street
435-6722294
faroutexpeditions.com
26
KOKOPELLI INN
160 East Highway 191
435-6722322
kokoinn.com
7
MOKI MOTEL
5th West & Hwy. 191
435-6722242
None
26
RECAPTURE LODGE
260 E. Main St. (Hwy 191)
435-6722281
recapturelodge.com
2
Family hiking in Utah's Canyon Country
30
Units
3
Units
20
5
LODGING, Con't.
Montezuma Creek
ROCKHOUSE INN B&B
Montezuma Creek
435-651-3250
Rock House Inn on
Facebook
Lake Powell - www.lakepowell.com
HALLS CROSSING
MARINA - Family Units
Highway 276
By Reservation Only
HITE MARINA
Highway 95
Family Units – Reservations
Only
The Totem Pole in Monument Valley
Lake
800-5286154
435-6847000
800-5286154
435-6842278
Fishing at Lake Powell
lakepowell.com
lakepowell.com
Formation in Arch Canyon
31
Units Mexican Hat
10
CANYONLANDS
MOTEL
Highway 163
435-683-2230
None
40
HAT ROCK INN
Highway 163
435-683-2221
hatrockinn.com
10
MEXICAN HAT LODGE
Highway 163
(Seasonal Entertainment)
435-683-2222
mexicanhat.net
800-447-2022
435-683-2220
sanjuaninn.net
36
Horses
&
SAN JUAN INN (yurts &
house) Hwy. 163 @ the
Historic Bridge
Wolfman Petroglyph Panel
4
VALLEY OF THE GODS
B&B County Road 242
By Reservation Only
Pet Friendly
Handicapped Access
Restaurant - on premises
or within walking distance
970-749-1164
WiFi
valleyofthegodsbandb.
com
Swimming
Microwave, Refrigerator,
In-Room Coffee, and/or
Continental Breakfast
32
LODGING, Con't.
Units Monticello - www.monticelloutah.org
CAMP JACKSON
1800 N. Johnson Creek Rd.
CANYONLANDS LODGE
6198 South Highway 191
32
CANYONLANDS MOTOR
INN 197 N. Main St.
(Hwy. 191)
43
INN AT THE CANYONS
533 N. Main St. (Hwy. 191)
24
BLUE MT. HORSEHEAD
INN
232 N. Main St. (Hwy. 191)
40
RODEWAY INN &
SUITES
649 N. Main St. (Hwy. 191)
5
RUNNIN’ IRON INN
8 miles north on Hwy. 191
Horses &
Lake
Horses &
canyonlandslodge.com
435-220-1050 Reunions, Retreats,
Groups
canyonlandslodge.com
435-220-1050 Reunions, Retreats,
Groups
435-587-2266 canyonlandsutah.com
435-587-2458 monticellocanyonlandsinn.
com
888-449-6463 bluemountainhorseheadinn.
435-587-2251 com
435-587-2489 rodewayinn.com
Horses
435-587-2351 canyonlandsbestkeptsecret.
com
Ruin in Arch Canyon
33
Monticello Lodging, Con't.
11
THE GRIST MILL INN
B&B 64 South 300 East
435-587-2597 oldgristmillinn.com
26
THE MONTICELLO INN
164 E. Center St.
(Hwy. 491)
800-657-6622 themonticelloinn.com
435-587-2274
38
WAYSIDE INN
197 E. Center St.(Hwy. 491)
435-587-2261 None
Units Monument Valley
70
GOULDINGS LODGE
County Road 422
800-874-0902
435-727-3231
gouldings.com
1
FIRETREE B&B
County Road 420
435-727-3228
firetreeinn.com
Petroglyphs in Butler Wash
34
LODGING, Con't.
Units North County
BASE CAMP
Hurrah Pass Road
435-260-1783
5
letsplaysoccer.com
4
DARK CANYON CABINS
Dark Canyon Lake
435-259-8389
435-220-0556
darkcanyoncabins.com
435-459-9444
435-220-1050
hiddenoakslodge.com
5
HIDDEN OAKS LODGE
51 N. Buckey Road.
Retreats, Reunions, Groups
Horses
&
LA SAL HUTS
Winter Only
435-259-8946
2
tagalong.com
10
MORRIS’ LAST RESORT
La Sal Mt. Loop Road
888-820-8525
435-259-5000
morris-last-resort.com
10
MT. PEALE INN & SPA
Highway 46, La Sal
888-687-3253
435-686-2284
mtpeale.com
PACK CREEK RANCH
La Sal Mt. Loop Road
435-259-8575
packcreekranch.org
RED ROCK MGT.
La Sal Mt. Loop Road
435-259-8875
435-259-8333
packcreekranch.com
3
Stones from an ancient game
35
Wireless
Group Sites
bluemountainrvpark.com
26
15
40
•
•
GOPHER KAMPARK
861 South Highway 191
435-678-2770
None
52
16
40
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
••
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pets Allowed
Showers
Max. Ft. Length
435-678-7840
or blandingutah.org
Pull Through
Tent Sites
BLUE MOUNTAIN RV PARK
1888 South Highway 191
Blanding - www.blanding-ut.gov
Open All Year
Hook-ups
COMMERCIAL CAMPGROUNDS
Bluff - www.bluffutah.org
CADILLAC RANCH RV PARK
East Highway 191
800-538-6195
435-672-2262
cadillacranchrv.com
15
15
COTTONWOOD RV PARK
West Highway 191
435-672-2287
cottonwoodrvpark.blogspot.
com
21
3
None
15
80
With a Ranger at Canyonlands NP
Mexican Hat
VALLE’S RV PARK
Highway 163
435-683-2226
•
••
•
•
36
Wireless
Group Sites
Pets Allowed
50
•
•
•
MOUNTAIN VIEW RV PARK
632 North Main St. (Hwy. 191)
435-587-2974
mountainviewutah.com
29
5
70
•
ROUGHLOCK RV PARK &
CABINS
8 Miles north on Hwy. 191
425-587-2351
canyonlandsbestkeptsecret.
com
14
7
40
WESTERNER RV/TRAILER
PARK
516 South Main St. (Hwy. 191)
Showers
Max. Ft. Length
•
Pull Through
Tent Sites
12
Open All Year
Hook-ups
kachuckwagon.com
Monticello - www.monticelloutah.org
K & A CHUCKWAGON RV
PARK
496 N. Main St., (Hwy. 191)
37
435-587-3468
COMMERCIAL CAMPGROUNDS, Con't.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A doorway at Hovenweep
National Monument
435-587-2762
None
28
70
•
•
•
•
Monument Valley
GOULDINGS GOOD SAM
PARK County Road 421
(Camping Cabins)
435-727-3235
gouldings.com
66
•
40
•
•
•
•
COMMERCIAL CAMPGROUNDS, Con't.
North County
mtnviewresortmoab.net
14
•
45
public CAMPGROUNDS
SQUAW FLAT CMPGRND.
35 miles west on Utah Hwy. 211
from junction w/US Hwy. 191
north of Monticello
435-719-2100
(Gen. Info.)
435-259-4711
(Dist. Specific)
WILLOW FLAT CMPGRND.
41 miles west on Utah Hwy. 313
from junction w/US Hwy. 191
north of Moab
435-719-2100
(Gen. Info.)
435-259-4711
(Dist. Specific)
nps.gov/cany
nps.gov/cany
•
Showers
Canyonlands National Park nps.gov/cany
Toilets
Reservations accepted for group sites only.
•
•
•
•
28
26
28
12
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pottery display at
Edge of the Cedars SP
Picnic Tables
40
Open All Year
26
Pets Allowed
26
Group Sites
435-259-5622
canyonlandsneedlesoutpost.
com
Number of Sites
MOUNTAIN VIEW RESORT
11781 S. Highway 191
(8miles south of Moab)
435-459-4007
Max. Ft. Length
NEEDLES OUTPOST
Highway 211 @ CNP
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
38
Open All Year
Picnic Tables
•
Pets Allowed
stateparks.utah.gov
Group Sites
435-259-2614
Number of Sites
DEAD HORSE CAMPGROUND
30 miles west on Utah Hwy. 313
from junction w/US Hwy. 191
north of Moab
39
Max. Ft. Length
Reservations accepted 800-322-3770 - stateparks.utah.gov/reservations
Showers
stateparks.utah.gov/reservations
Toilets
Dead Horse Point State Park
40
21
•
•
•
•
64
•
•
••
•
•
••
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - Lake Powell nps.gov/glca
HALLS CROSSING MARINA
95 miles southwest of Blanding on
Hwy. 276
HITE MARINA
95 miles west of Blanding on Hwy.
95
435-684-7009
nps.gov/glca
435-684-2278
nps.gov/glca - Primitive
Camping
•
•
Goosenecks State Park
stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goosenecks
GOOSENECKS STATE PARK
8 miles west on Utah Hwy. 316 at
junction with Utah Hwy. 261 - 4
miles north of Mexican Hat
435-678-2238
stateparks.utah.gov
(Primitive Camping)
•
•
•
•
PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS, Con't.
Hovenweep National Monument nps.gov/hove
HOVENWEEP CAMPGROUND
20 miles north of Aneth off
Utah Hwy. 262
970-562-4282
nps.gov/hove
•
35
31
•
••
•
•
26
13
•
•
•
Natural Bridges National Monument nps.gov/nabr
NAT. BRIDGES
CAMPGROUND
29 miles west of Blanding on
Utah Hwy. 95
435-692-1234
nps.gov/nabr
The Kiva at Edge of the Cedars State Park & Museum
Needles Overlook, Canyon Rims Recreation Area
40
COMB WASH CMPGRND.
12 miles west of Blanding on
Utah Hwy. 95 - Primitive Cmpg
HAMBURGER ROCK
CMPGRND.
14 miles north of Monticello and
30 miles west on County Road 122
off US Hwy. 191 - Primitive Cmpg
Picnic Tables
Open All Year
Pets Allowed
Group Sites
Number of Sites
Toilets
Showers
reservations Accepted For Group Sites Only.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
blm.gov/ut
Max. Ft. Length
41
public CAMPGROUNDS, Con't.
435-587-1500
blm.gov/utah/monticello
435-587-1500
blm.gov/utah/moab
•
60
42
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
HATCH POINT CMPGRND.
Canyon Rims Recreation Area
20 miles north of Monticello &
25 miles west off US Hwy. 191
on County Road 133 - Primitive
Camping
435-259-2100
blm.gov/utah/moab
•
30
15
SAND ISLAND CMPGRND.
3 miles west of Bluff on
US Hwy. 191
435-587-1500
blm.gov/utah/monticello
•
50
25
•
•
•
•
435-259-2100
blm.gov/utah/moab
•
30
15
•
•
•
•
WINDWHISTLE CMPGRND.
Canyon Rims Recreation Area
20 miles north of Monticello &
6 mikes west off US Hwy. 191
on County Road 133 - Primitive
Camping
tHE mOKE dUGWAY
US Forest Service Manti La Sal Nat’l Forest
Reservations accepted for all sites at 1-877-444-6777 (USA)
or www.fs.fed.us/r4/mantilasal
BUCKBOARD CAMPGROUND
6.5 miles west of Monticello on
200 South St. (@ the Welcome
Ctr.)
DALTON SPRINGS
CAMPGRND.
5 miles west of Monticello on
200 South St. (@ the Welcome
Ctr.)
435-587-2401
435-587-2401
fs.fed.us/r4/mantilasal
•
30
8
•
•
•
•
30
16
•
•
•
•
60
42
•
•
•
35
19
•
•
•
fs.fed.us/r4/mantilasal
DEVIL’S CANYON CAMPGRND.
9.5 miles northeast of Blanding on
Hwy. 191.
435-587-2401
fs.fed.us/r4/mantilasal
NIZHONI CAMPGROUND
12 miles north of Blanding on
Blue Mt. Road
435-587-2401
fs.fed.us/r4/mantilasal
•
42
43
Restaurants & food service
Blanding - www.blandingutah.org
Bluff - www.bluffutah.org
A&W RESTAURANT
12 West Center St. (Hwy. 191)
435-678-3161
Fast Food
HOMESTEAD STEAKHOUSE
121 East Center St. (Hwy. 191)
435-678-3456
Restaurant
HUNT’S TRADING
146 East Center St. (Hwy. 191)
435-678-2739
PATIO DRIVE-IN
95 North Grayson Pkwy. (Hwy. 191)
435-678-2177
SUBWAY SANDWICH
148 South Main St. (Hwy. 191)
435-678-3616
TACO TIME
861 South Main St. (Hwy. 191)
435-678-2306
COMB RIDGE COFFEE
680 South Highway 191
COTTONWOOD STEAKHOUSE
Highway 191
cottonwoodsteakhouse.com
45-672-9931
Cafe
Coffees, Teas
435-672-2282
Restaurant
Cook-Outs
Beer/Wine
DAIRY CAFE
West Highway 191
435-672-2287
Cafe
K&C TRADING POST
West Highway 191
435-672-2221
Cafe
BLUFF CITY GRILL
281 Highway 191
435-672-9956
Restaurant
Beer/Wine
Coffees & Teas
Fast Food
Fast Food
Fast Food
THATZZA PIZZA
164 N. Grayson Parkway (Hwy. 191)
435-678-3111
Take & Bake
Delivery, To Go
TUSCAN GARDEN
733 South Main Street
435-678-2555
Italian Food
YAK’S CENTER STREET CAFE
140 North Grayson Pkwy (Hwy.
191)
435-678-2555
Restaurant
All our restaurants are non-smoking properties.
TWIN ROCKS CAFE
Historic Loop
twinrocks.com
Inside a Kiva
435-672-2341
Restaurant
Beer/Wine
Mexican Hat (No Web Site Available)
MEXICAN HAT SHELL
Highway 163
Packaged &
Fast Food
LA SAL GENERAL STORE
Highway 46
435-686-2225
Packaged &
Fast Food
435-683-2220
Restaurant
OLD LA SAL RESTAURANT
Milepost 14, Hwy. 46
mtpeale.com
By reservation only.
888-687-3253
435-686-2284
Call to reserve.
Restaurant
Beer, Wine
RIVER RAT PIZZA
Highway 163
435-683-2226
Fast Food
435-979-4007
Cafe
SWINGING STEAK
Highway 163
mexicanhat.net
435-683-2222
Restaurant
Cook-outs
Beer/Wine
OLD BRIDGE GRILL
Highway 163 @ the Historic Bridge
sanjuaninn.net
435-683-2214
North County
NEEDLES OUTPOST
Hwy. 211 @ Canyonlands NP
canyonlandsneedlesoutpost.com
Gouldings Lodge
Monument Valley
Monument Valley - gouldings.com
STAGECOACH RESTAURANT
Gouldings Lodge, County Road 421
800-874-0902
435-727-3231
Restaurant,
Cook-outs
GOULDINGS C-STORE & DELI
County Road 421
435-727-3231
Fast food
A variety of food vendors are
found at the Vendor Village at the
intersection of Couty Rd. 421 and
US Hwy. 163
The Hideout Golf Club
44
Restaurants & food service, Con't.
tours, guides, & outfitters
Monticello - www.monticelloutah.org
Blanding - www.blanding-ut.gov orblandingutah.org
CHESTER FRIED CHICKEN
17 North Main St. (Hwy. 191)
435-587-2555
Fast Food
K&A CHUCKWAGON
496 North Main St. (Hwy. 191)
kachuckwagon.com
435-587-3468
By reservation
only
LINECAMP STEAKHOUSE
8 miles north of Monticello Hwy
191
canyonlandsbestkeptsecret.com
ABAJO HAVEN GUEST RANCH
abajohaven.com
435-979-3126
435-979-3115
BLACKHAWK TOURS
blackhawktours.org
435-678-3224
Hiking
Small coach
tours, shuttles,
ATV tours
BLACK TIMBER OUTFITTERS
blacktimberoutfitters.net
435-760-9302
435-760-0836
435-459-1077
Guided hunting
& wildlife
435-587-2351
Restaurant
435-587-3238
Fast Food
FOUR CORNERS ADVENTURES
fourcornersadventures.com
Rentals available in Monticello,
Blanding, Bluff
435-678-2628
MAVERIK COUNTRY STORE
265 East Center (Hwy. 491)
maverik.com
Jeep, Backpack,
Boat Charters,
Canyoneering,
Rock Climbing
MD RANCH COOKHOUSE
380 South Main St. (Hwy. 191)
435-587-3299
Restaurant
NORTH WASH OUTFITTERS
northwashoutfitters.com
435-672-9942
Canyoneering
PEACE TREE CAFE
516 North Main St. (Hwy. 191)
peacetreecafe.com
435-587-5063
Coffee Bar,
Cafe,
Restaurant
SUNRISE OUTFITTING
sunriseoutfitting.com
435-678-2838
Guided
hunting
PJ’S CAFE & POOL HALL
216 East Center (Hwy. 491)
435-587-2335
Cafe
H
H
Lake Powell - lakepowell.com
LAKE POWELL RESORTS
lakepowell.com
800-528-6154
435-684-7000
435-684-2278
Boating Tours
45
tours, guides, & outfitters, Con't.
Monticello Restaurants, Con't.
R&F RESTAURANT
149 East Center (Hwy. 491)
435-587-2440
Cafe
SUBWAY SANDWICH
433 North Main St. (Hwy. 191)
435-587-2757
Fast Food
THATZZA PIZZA
201 South Main St. (Hwy. 191)
435-587-9111
Take & Bake
Delivery, To Go
TACO TIME
17 North Main St. (Hwy. 191)
outwestfoodnfuelcom
435-587-2555
WAGON WHEEL PIZZA
156 South Main St. (Hwy. 191)
435-587-2766
Bluff - www.bluffutah.org
BUCKHORN LLAMA COMPANY
llamapack.com
435-672-2466
Llama Pack
Tours
FAR OUT EXPEDITIONS
faroutexpeditions.com
435-672-2294
Hiking. Scenic
Archaeological,
& Support
RECAPTURE LODGE
bluff-utah.org/recapturelodge/
435-672-2281
River and
Hiking
Shuttles
WILD RIVERS EXPEDITIONS
riversandruins.com
800-422-7654
435-672-2244
River
Expeditions
MT. PEALE INN & SPA
Highway 46, La Sal
mtpeale.com
888-687-3253
435-686-2284
Hiking
REDD RANCHES GUIDES
rrgohunting.com
435-459-4930
Guided
Hunting
Fast Food
Pizzeria, Deli
Sandwiches,
Salads
North County
H
Iconic Monument Valley
H
= Guided Hunting
46
47
tours, guides, & outfitters, Con't.
Monticello - www.monticelloutah.org
VISITOR INFORMATION
ANCIENT TRAILS MOTORCYCLE
TOURS
bullhollow.com
435-459-4337
Road Tours
BLUE MOUNTAIN HUNTS
None
435-587-2113
Guided Hunting
SOUTHWEST ED-VENTURES
FOUR CORNERS SCHOOL
sw-adventures.org
800-525-4456
435-587-2156
H
Educational
Outdoor
Adventures
Visitor information is available from the national,
state, and tribal parks. Visitor Centers in
Blanding, Bluff, and Monticello are stocked
with brochures, maps, books, videos,
and mementos. The centers are staffed by
knowledgable local residents who will assist
with information to make your visit exceptional.
BLANDING VISITOR CENTER
12 North Grayson Parkway (Us Highway 191)
435-678-3662 - blandingvisitorcenter@frontiernet.net
BLUFF VISITOR CENTER (Seasonal)
THE HIDEOUT GOLF CLUB
www.monticelloutah.org
435-587-2200
18 Hole
Links Style
Public Course
55 North 6th East at the Bluff Fort
435-672-9995 - www.bluffutah.org
MONUMENT VALLEY VISITOR CENTER
US Highway 163 Monument Valley Junction
435-727-5871 - www.navajonationparks.org
SOUTHEAST UTAH WELCOME CENTER
216 South Main Street (US Highway 191), Monticello
435-587-3401 - seuwcmu@gmail.com
Monument Valley
BENNETT TOURS
members.tripod.com/bennett_tour
435-727-3283
Monument
Valley, Jeep,
Hiking
EDGE OF THE CEDARS STATE PARK & MUSEUM
BLACKWATER TOURS
blackwatertours.com
435-727-3312
Monument
Valley, Jeep
Highway 316 near the junction with US Hwy. 162
north of Mexican Hat
435-678-2238 - edgeofthecedars@utah.gov
DANIEL’S GUIDED TOURS
danielsguidedtours.com
435-727-3227
Monument Vly.
Mystery Valley
660 West 400 North, Blanding
435-678-2238 - edgeofthecedars@utah.gov
GOOSENECKS STATE PARK
Maps are available at the following:
www.sanjuansafari.com - ATV / OHV
www.spear4all.com - ATV / OHV
www.cnha.org/bookstore.cfm Hiking, Biking 4 Wheeling, Topographic
Topographic maps are available at the
visitor centers .
YOUR SAFETY IS OF
UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO US!
Remember, this is a desert environment
even at higher elevations. Carry water, at
least one gallon per person per day. And
don't forget your pets and vehicles; they
need water, too. Wear appropriate and
protective clothing, especially a hat.
Remember the day will warm up in the
afternoon following a cool morning.
Carry and use sunscreen. Plan your trip
well. Stay with your group.
If travelling alone, leave information
as to your destination and expected date
and time of return with someone,
even if it is at the local visitor center.
We want your visit to Utah's Canyon
Country to be
enjoyable. Assistance with itineraries is
available at
800-574-4386
or info@utahscanyoncountry.com
Monument Valley, Con't.
MANTI LA SAL NATIONAL FOREST (usfs)
FRED’S ADVENTURE TOURS
No Web Site
435-739-4294
Monument Vly.
Jeep & Hiking
432 East Center Street, Monticello
435-587-2041 - www.fs.usda.gov/mantilasal/
GOULDINGS LODGE & TOURS
gouldings.com
800-874-0902
435-727-3231
Monument Vly.
Mystery Valley
365 North Main Street (US Highway 191), Monticello
435-587-1500 - www.blm.gov/utah/monticello
HOMELAND TOURS
No Web Site
800-388-5613
435-727-3466
Monument Vly.
Horse & Van
Tours
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM)
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
435-719-2313 - www.nps.gov/cany
GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Up Lake Information: 435-684-7420 - www.nps.gov/glca
MAJESTIC MONUMENT VALLEY
TOURING COMPANY
majesticmonumentvalley.com
435-727-3432
Monument Vly.
Mystery Valley,
Hunt’s Mesa
MOONLIGHT SPRINGS TOURS
thenavajoway.com
435-727-3331
435-727-3266
ATV Tours,
Tradi-tional
Navajo Meal
MONUMENT VALLEY TOURS
monumentvalleytours.net
866-422-8687
435-727-3313
Monument
Valley, Jeep,
Hiking
NAVAJO COUNTRY TRAILRIDES
a-aa.com/trailrid
435-727-3390
Monument Vly.
Horseback
SACRED MONUMENT TOURS
monumentvalley.net
435-459-2501
435-727-3218
Monument Vly.
Jeep. Horseback
SANDSTONE TOURS
sandstonetours.com
435-200-5450
Monument Vly.
Mystery Valley
Jeep
SIMPSON’S TRAILHANDLERS
trailhandlertours.com
435-727-3362
Monument Vly.
Jeep, Hiking
HOVENWEEP NATIONAL MONUMENT
General Information: 970-562-4282 - www.nps.gov/hove
NATURAL BRIDGES NATIONAL MONUMENT
General Information: 435-692-1234 - www.nps/gov/nabr
RAINBOW BRIDGE NATIONAL MONUMENT
928-608-6200 - www.nps.gov/rabr
MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK
PHOTO CREDITS
Allison Yamamoto-Sparks: pages 11, 12, 21, 22, 25
ARAMARK: pages 7, 10, 31
Bluff Fort: page 24
Bruce Hucko: Cover
Coyotes Singing Studio: pages 14, 24
Craig Leavitt: page 25
Dan Norris: page 40
Edge of the Cedars: Cover, pages 17, 18, 29, 30, 36, 39, 40
Gouldings Lodge: Cover
Hideout Golf Club: page 25, 44
iStockphoto.com: pages 1, 5, 9(vwalakte), 10(Yoboro10),
12, 19, 20(Wayne Harney), 25, 31, 39, 40, 44
Jacob W. Frank: pages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Leif Johnson: page 37
Lynn Dyer: page 22
Miriam Paterson: page 15
National Park Service: pages 4, 7, 31, 47, 39
Oculus Media: page 37, 39
Rick Schafer: pages 13, 14
San Juan County Visitor Services: page 24
Stuart Smith: pages 18, 13, 24, 34
Tom Till (©): pages 8, 16, 38
US Forest Service: Cover
435-727-5870 - www.navajonationparks.org
FOUR CORNERS MONUMENT
928-871-6647 - www.navajonationparks.org
Visit our blog - utahscanyoncountry.wordpress.com
Like Utah's Canyon Country on
Facebook for events & give-aways.
H
= Guided Hunting
San Juan County thanks all the land management
agencies who care for the stunning land in and
around our county, including the Bureau of Land
Management, U.S. Forest Service, National Park
Service, Utah State Parks & Recreation,
and other agencies.
48
49
Utah’s Canyon Country!
San Juan County, Utah!
Our Location in the Western United States
Getting Around in Canyon Country
Most areas and sites are on paved roads, some accessed
via graded gravel, a few require 4 wheel drive. Most
are within a short drive from our communities.
Those areas accessed by 4 wheel drive may require
long days or overnight stays. Prepare for a wilderness
experience. It is not recommended that you travel to
remote sites alone or with only one vehicle. When
wet, some roads are impassable even for a 4 wheel drive
vehicle. Check weather and road conditions prior to a
trip into the backcountry.
INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL AIR SERVICE
Salt Lake City UT, Phoenix AZ, Las Vegas NV, Albuquerque NM,
and Denver CO.
REGIONAL AIR SERVICE: Grand Junction, Durango, and
Cortez CO, Farmington NM,
Flagstaff AZ, and Moab UT.
AMTRAK RAIL SERVICE: Salt Lake City and Green River UT,
Albuquerque and Grants NM, Las Vegas NV, and Denver and
Grand Junction CO.
AUTO RENTAL Available at all international and national
airports, at Grand Junction and Durango CO, Farmington NM,
and Flagstaff AZ.
50
This guide is provided as a courtesy to visitors. No warranty, express or implied, is made as to the safety or ongoing validity of information
herein. San Juan County Visitor Services or its agents are not responsible for any liability arising from use of information herein.
Produced by San Juan County Visitor Services
800-574-4386 (USA and Canada)
435-587-3235, Extension: 5006
San Juan County Visitor Services
117 South Main Street, P.O. Box 490
Monticello, UT 84535-0490 USA
This Adventure Guide is going to:
800-574-4386
www.utahscanyoncountry.com