Roadside Attraction Valley Of The Gods - Bluff

Overview

Mon

70° | 42°

Tue

72° | 40°

Wed

76° | 42°

Thu

76° | 47°

Fri

75° | 47°

( Rated 3.0 / 2 Ratings )

6 Todo Lists / 1 Ticks

RATING: Roadside

LENGTH: 1+ hours

MAPS: MEXICAN HAT, UT; CIGARETTE SPRING CAVE, UT; CEDAR MESA SOUTH, UT

SEASON: Any when roads are dry. Hot in the summer.

WATER: None, bring all you need.

Mon

70° | 42°

Tue

72° | 40°

Wed

76° | 42°

Thu

76° | 47°

Fri

75° | 47°

Seven Sailors

The Valley of the Gods is a scenic sandstone valley that is similar but not as dramatic as Monument Valley. While not as famous as its neighboring parks such as Monument Valley or Canyonlands National Park, it offers similarly stunning landscapes. It is much less busy than the more well-known Monument Valley and, unlike Monument Valley, primitive camping and hiking in Valley of the Gods is allowed.

Notes: The one main road through the Valley of the Gods is, generally, a well maintained dirt road. Though dirt, many sedans, and low clearance vehicles have been on the loop when I have visited. There are numerous pull-outs used for primitive camping along the road through the valley, but no water, toilets, etc. If camping in the area, be sure to be self-contained and clean-up after yourself to insure primitive camping continues to be allowed.

Geological Formation: The Valley of the Gods lies within the Cedar Mesa Sandstone formation, which was deposited around 250 million years ago during the Late Triassic Period. Over millions of years, the forces of erosion shaped the landscape, creating the unique buttes, mesas, and spires that characterize the valley today.

History: The valley was named by prospector Albert Christensen in the 1940s, who likened its towering sandstone formations to the gods of mythology.

Some Native Americans believe the rock formations are powerful places where warrior spirits reside.

Setting Hen (left) and Rooster

Getting There

The road through the Valley of the Gods can be driven in either direction. The eastern turnoff starts off US-163 at mile marker 29. This is about 5 miles west of Bluff, UT. The western turnoff starts off SR 261 at mile marker 6.4. SR 261 is the road the goes by Goosenecks State Park, climbs the Moki Dugway and crosses the top of Cedar Mesa. Most people on my trips have been driving the route from East to West, so that is what is described here. Reset your odometer as you turn onto the scenic drive. There are a few minor side roads off the main road. Stay on the main road. The side roads have good primitive camping.

Franklin Butte

Route Description

About 0.9 miles from the highway, there is a small pull-out on the left and side road. Seven Sailors are west of the pullout.

3 miles - The road just passes Setting Hen Butte with Rooster Butte just ahead.

5 miles - A small side road on the left goes to a couple of primitive campsites. The small tower to the south is Franklin Butte. The larger mesa just north is Battleship Rock.

7.3 miles - A small side road on the right goes to an overlook/primitive camping area. To the west is Castle Butte, which the road circles near shortly To the northeast is a tower called De Gaulle and His Troops.

Note: Charles de Gaulle, a towering figure in French history, emerged as a key leader during World War II, rallying the Free French Forces against Nazi occupation. Following the war, he played a pivotal role in shaping France's post-war politics, advocating for national sovereignty and founding the French Fifth Republic. His legacy is as a symbol of French resilience, independence, and statesmanship.

8 miles - Rudolph and Santa Claus are to the west. I thought this was easy to spot, but my 6-year-old did not think it looked like Santa Claus!

10.6 miles - A pull-out on the right is a good stopping point to view Lady in the Bathtub to the west before the road descends and crosses a wash. This is the last named feature.

16.5 miles - Back to pavement at SR-261.