Famous route

Moki Dugway and Valley of the Gods

A gravel loop between red sandstone buttes and a steep gravel switchback road down the Cedar Mesa edge in southeast Utah. Both suit careful drivers; large motorhomes should think twice.

State: Utah
Length: 17 mi loop + 3 mi Dugway
Suggested time: 1–2 h for the loop
Best season: Spring and fall
Road: Gravel, steep switchbacks

What should you know before visiting Moki Dugway and Valley of the Gods?

No toll roads expected for a car. Size limits for motorhomes: Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel, Zion NP (UT) (height 11 ft 4 in (3.5 m)).

The Moki Dugway is about 3 miles of graded gravel with a total drop of roughly 1,200 ft and an 11 percent grade according to the BLM. Hairpins are slow, so expect walking pace in places.
A sign at the base advises against trucks over 10,000 lb, RVs, buses and vehicles towing. The BLM says most vehicles can manage it but urges caution with motorhomes and trailers.
The 17-mile Valley of the Gods loop is graded gravel and clay and crosses several washes. Passenger cars manage it when dry; check conditions after rain.
There are several car camps along the loop, but campfires are not allowed.

The drive

Valley of the Gods lies off US 163 near Mexican Hat. The 17-mile county road 242 loops past sandstone buttes and spires, with a few sharp turns, and takes about one to two hours. It ends on Utah 261, where the Moki Dugway climbs the edge of Cedar Mesa. The Dugway is a short, steep gravel stretch with switchbacks, and the BLM treats it as a road for careful drivers. Some drivers find the climb easier to control than the descent.

Planning

Large motorhomes and trailers are the weak point. Reports from drivers differ: some would not take a Class C of 27 to 32 ft on the Dugway in either direction, others see many RVs there. If in doubt, use low gear, avoid wet conditions and take a paved alternative. Fuel, water and groceries are in towns such as Mexican Hat, Bluff and Blanding, so fill up beforehand. Check weather and road status with the BLM field office before driving.

Camping

The BLM lists several car camps along the Valley of the Gods loop, where campfires are not allowed. The land is public and wide open, but rules for dispersed camping, group size and waste can change, so ask the BLM Monticello field office before staying. Washes can flood quickly during storms, so avoid camping in drainage bottoms. Take out all waste and bring your own water.

FAQs

Can a motorhome drive the Moki Dugway?

A sign at the base advises against RVs, buses and towing. The BLM says most vehicles can drive it with caution; one local guide cites under 28 ft and 10,000 lb. Short, light motorhomes in dry weather have a better chance; large rigs should skip it.

Is Valley of the Gods suitable for ordinary cars?

Yes when the road is dry, according to the BLM. It is graded gravel and clay with a few sharp turns and several wash crossings. After rain, conditions change, so ask locally.

Can I make campfires in Valley of the Gods?