Valley of the Gods
Facility ·
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Bears Ears National Monument · Open Access
- 5,301 ft
- Elevation
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
Overview
The beautiful Cedar Mesa sandstone monoliths, pinnacles and other geological features of this enchanting area are known as a Miniature Monument Valley. These sandstone sentinels were eroded by wind and water over millions of years. The 17-mile loop through the Valley of the Gods is a graded gravel and clay surface road (San Juan County Road #242), that has a few sharp turns, and crosses several washes. Driving time is approximately one to two hours. It is suitable for passenger cars when the road conditions are dry. However, road conditions vary throughout the year with regional weather conditions. Local inquiry should be made during and after periods of inclement weather. There are several car camps along this route. However, no campfires are allowed.
Helpful Links
- Visit: Utah - Monticello Field Office
- Nearby Attractions: Bears Ears National Monument
Getting there
This road can be accessed from either Utah Highway 261 (about 10 miles northeast of Mexican Hat, Utah, or U.S. Highway 163, about 15 miles west of the town of Bluff, Utah, and seven miles east of Mexican Hat, Utah). Driving time is approximately one to two hours.
37.26453, -109.93170 · 37°15'52.3"N 109°55'54.1"W
Typical weather
Typically 94°F in Jul, down to 42°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 43 | 51 | 60 | 68 | 77 | 90 | 94 | 91 | 84 | 69 | 55 | 42 |
| Low °F | 25 | 30 | 36 | 44 | 52 | 63 | 69 | 66 | 58 | 47 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip in | 0.7 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.7 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
No fee
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
Member photos
Common questions about Valley of the Gods
- Can you reserve a site at Valley of the Gods?
- No. Valley of the Gods is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near Valley of the Gods
- Sand Island Group Sites 17.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Sand Island Recreation Area 17.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Natural Bridges Campground 24 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Nizhoni 41.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Devils Canyon 43.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Kane Gulch Ranger Station 18.1 mi · Facility
- Mule Canyon Interpretive Site 21.7 mi · Facility
- Natural Bridges Visitor Center 24 mi · Facility
- Butler Wash Interpretive Trail 24.1 mi · Facility
- Starr Springs Campground 30.4 mi · Campground
- Hole in the Rock Trail 35.7 mi · Facility
- Dark Canyon Wilderness Recreation Area 38.6 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 435-587-1500
- Email utmtmail@blm.gov
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-16.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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