# Mesas, bridges and buttes: by camper through Bears Ears and Monument Valley

> From the twin peaks of the Bears Ears via the stone bridges of Natural Bridges and the floodplain near Mexican Hat to the towers of Monument Valley: a route…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-089-monument-valley-bears-ears/

**At a glance:** 5-day road trip of about 339 km (211 mi) with 9 stops, from Moab to Monument Valley. About 3 h 46 min of driving in total. From the twin peaks of the Bears Ears via the stone bridges of Natural Bridges and the floodplain near Mexican Hat to the towers of Monument Valley: a route through the homeland of the Navajo.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 339 km (211 mi) |
| Driving | 3 h 46 min |
| Suggested days | 5 |
| Stops | 9 |
| Route | Moab → Monument Valley |
| States | UT, AZ |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*From the twin peaks of the Bears Ears via the stone bridges of Natural Bridges and the floodplain near Mexican Hat to the towers of Monument Valley: a route through the homeland of the Navajo.*

## The spirit of the route

This part of the Colorado Plateau feels wider and quieter than the famous parks to the north. After Monticello the Bears Ears Buttes lie on the horizon like two ears, with Cedar Mesa between them and thousands of traces of the ancestors of the Pueblo peoples: rock art, granaries, tower houses in narrow gorges. At Natural Bridges three bridges stand in the canyon, and at night the sky is so dark that the Milky Way casts shadows. In the south the land drops towards the San Juan River, at Mexican Hat the rock hat juts out of the plain, and at the end of the route Monument Valley rises from the red desert, a place you know from films and which in real life is bigger and quieter. The road belongs to the Navajo Nation, which calls for respect: observe the park authority’s rules, take photographs only with permission, take your rubbish with you. Campers need water, reserves and patience.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Moab to Blanding (approx. 160 km)

- **The drive:** From Moab take US-191 south via Wilson Arch, Church Rock and Monticello, then on through high plains with farmland and juniper to Blanding. Well-built two-lane road, 65 mph, in towns 25–35. Pure driving time about 2 hours 15 minutes, half a day with stops. Fuel up in Moab, Monticello or Blanding; between the towns there are only a few stations.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Wilson Arch and Church Rock: a natural arch and a free-standing rock right by US-191, short photo stops with car park.
  - Monticello: small town with petrol stations and shops at the foot of the Abajo Mountains; starting point for detours into the Abajo Mountains (track).
  - Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding: museum with an excavated Puebloan village on the edge of town; check opening times and entry fee beforehand.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** In Blanding and Monticello there are simple private RV parks with hook-ups, showers and laundry; check availability and vehicle length by phone beforehand. As a simple public alternative, Forest Service campgrounds in the Abajo Mountains (Manti-La Sal National Forest) are suitable, mostly seasonal and difficult to reach for long vehicles.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In Manti-La Sal National Forest and on BLM land around Monticello and Blanding, dispersed camping is permitted in several places (usually up to 14 days, only on areas already in use). Access roads are often gravel and muddy in rain; observe the map and the Forest Service’s fire rules.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Fuel up in Blanding and stock up on food and water for two to three days: along Hwy 95 there are no shops for 100 km. If you plan Monument Valley in summer, bear in mind the heat (over 35 °C in the desert) and plan a water reserve.

### Stage 2: Blanding to Natural Bridges National Monument (approx. 65 km)

- **The drive:** From Blanding take UT-95 west (Bicentennial Highway): climbs onto Cedar Mesa, juniper and pinyon, a view of the Bears Ears Buttes at the turn-off to UT-261. Paved road, moderate bends, 55–65 mph. Pure driving time about 1 hour 15 minutes. No petrol station between Blanding and Natural Bridges.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Butler Wash Ruins Overlook: a short trail (about 1.6 km) to a ruin in the rock, view into the valley; a quick stop on Hwy 95.
  - Natural Bridges National Monument: Sipapu, Kachina and Owachomo Bridge; loop road (Bridge View Drive, 14 km, one-way) with viewpoints; walks beneath the bridges (short to medium). Official Dark Sky Park, very dark sky.
  - Bears Ears Buttes: view from Hwy 95 and the UT-261 turn-off; visitor information on Bears Ears National Monument at Kane Gulch Ranger Station and in Bluff.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Natural Bridges Campground: small site with about a dozen pitches, no hook-ups, toilets, seasonal water (depending on season), first come, first served according to the NPS; vehicle lengths are limited, check nps.gov before arriving. Because of the small number of pitches, arrive early. Alternatives: simple BLM areas on Hwy 95.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On BLM land north and south of Hwy 95 (Bears Ears National Monument), dispersed camping along roads is permitted; in the monument, rules to protect archaeological sites apply (not at ruins, do not take finds). Access roads partly unpaved, not passable in rain.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The sky above Natural Bridges is one of the darkest in the USA; at new moon bring a camera tripod and a red-light head torch. The wind can be strong, so pull in the awning. Hike early in the day: the heat on the mesa is dry, the terrain sunny, so carry water.

### Stage 3: Natural Bridges to Bluff (approx. 130 km)

- **The drive:** Take UT-95 back east to Blanding, then US-191 south down to Bluff: a long descent, then the San Juan River valley with rock walls and trees. Well-built road, 55–65 mph, in Bluff 25–35. Pure driving time about two hours. UT-261 with the Moki Dugway (unpaved switchbacks) is not recommended for motorhomes and trailer combinations; take the route via Blanding as an alternative.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Bluff: small town with front gardens, galleries and the Fort Bluff Historic Site; starting point for trips on the San Juan River (rafting operators) and for Bears Ears information.
  - Sand Island Petroglyphs (BLM): rock art along the road by the San Juan River, a short walk; car park at the site.
  - Kane Gulch Ranger Station on UT-261: information and permits for Cedar Mesa (hikes and backcountry overnights); opening times seasonal, check beforehand.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Sand Island Recreation Area (BLM) on the San Juan River a little west of Bluff: pitches among cottonwoods, toilets; check water supply, how to reserve, status and vehicle lengths with the BLM beforehand. Alternatives: private RV parks in Bluff with hook-ups, laundry and showers.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On BLM land around Bluff and along Hwy 191, dispersed camping is possible to a limited extent; observe the rules for Bears Ears National Monument and Cedar Mesa, and if in doubt ask at the Bluff Field Office or Kane Gulch Ranger Station. No overnighting at archaeological sites.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Bluff is one of the last chances for shopping, fuel and water before the drive to Monument Valley. For hikes on Cedar Mesa (for example Moonhouse or Grand Gulch), permits are needed; leave vehicles standing at the car park and do not drive off the trails in the terrain.

### Stage 4: Bluff to Mexican Hat and Goosenecks (approx. 70 km)

- **The drive:** From Bluff take US-163 west: the road runs through the San Juan valley with rock walls, later over flat land, 55–65 mph, little change in height. Pure driving time about 45 minutes to Mexican Hat. The turn-off to Valley of the Gods (track, CR 242) is east of Mexican Hat; not suitable for campers. Fuel up in Bluff or Mexican Hat.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Mexican Hat Rock: a rock shaped like a sombrero on US-163, right at the roadside; a short photo stop, small pullouts.
  - Goosenecks State Park: view 300 m down to the San Juan River in deep meanders; access via paved UT-316 (about 6 km), viewpoint right at the car park, simple camping at the rim without water; Utah State Park entry fee.
  - Valley of the Gods: a gravel road of 27 km through rock towers; possible by car when dry, unsuitable for large campers; walks from the edge are possible, carry water.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Goosenecks State Park: simple site at the edge of the gorge, pitches without hook-ups, without water, with toilets; suitable for motorhomes if the access is dry; check rules and fees on the Utah State Parks site. In Mexican Hat there are private RV parks with hook-ups and showers.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In Valley of the Gods, dispersed camping on BLM land is permitted (usually up to 14 days); in many places there is only track and dust; for campers only in dry weather and with high ground clearance. Do not drive the access road in wet weather: flash floods and clay.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The turn-off to the Goosenecks is right by the road; the last kilometres are narrow. Plan an evening at the edge of the gorge for sunset. Fill up with water and fuel beforehand: Mexican Hat has only small petrol stations, and prices are higher.

### Stage 5: Mexican Hat to Monument Valley (approx. 35 km)

- **The drive:** From Mexican Hat take US-163 south towards Arizona: wide desert with buttes on the horizon, the famous straight towards Monument Valley. Well-built road, 55–65 mph. Pure driving time 30–40 minutes. The Navajo Nation generally observes daylight saving time (unlike Arizona), so note the times in the park. Fuel up in Mexican Hat or Kayenta.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: visitor centre at the viewpoint, Valley Drive (about 27 km gravel track, possible by car when dry, not recommended for campers); guided jeep or horse tours run by Navajo. Entry per person, check opening times and prices at navajonationparks.org.
  - Forrest Gump Point on US-163 with a view of the straight road towards Monument Valley: pullouts small, only a short stop, watch the traffic.
  - Kayenta: small town on the route (Arizona) with petrol stations and a supermarket; good for shopping and fuel after the park.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** The View Campground (Navajo-run) at the visitor centre: pitches with a view of the buttes, showers and toilets; clarify hook-ups, reservations, vehicle lengths and prices with the Navajo Tribal Park before arriving. Goulding’s Campground (private, a landmark) lies a few kilometres north in Utah, with hook-ups, shop and showers. Alternatively a pitch in Mexican Hat or Kayenta.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On Navajo land (Navajo Nation), camping without permission is not legal; overnighting only on designated campgrounds or with the Nation’s permission. Roadside parking for overnighting is not recommended and can be penalised. Follow the rangers and the rules of the Navajo Parks.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The morning light on the buttes is best; at The View Campground the site is right at the viewpoint. Photograph respectfully: photos of Navajo people only with permission, a fee is possible. Fill up with water before the drive: there is hardly any water at the viewpoints, and it is very hot in summer.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- Utah has no right to roam: overnighting is legal on BLM land and in National Forests (dispersed camping), usually up to 14 days in one place and only on pitches already in use near the access road, not on private land, state trust land (SITLA) or in national park and state park areas outside designated campgrounds. Stay friendly with rangers; violations can bring fines in the three-figure range.
- In several BLM areas (especially around Moab) special rules apply: designated camping corridors, fire bans, a requirement to carry toilet systems. Check the current map and rules with the relevant BLM Field Office or the municipality before relying on a spot.
- Wild camping along highways, at rest areas and in Walmart car parks is not tolerated everywhere; in towns such as Moab, Kanab and Springdale, checks are made at night. If you arrive somewhere without a pitch, it is best to ask a campground operator about short-notice vacancies.
- Wildfire and fire orders apply in summer almost every year; gas stoves are usually still allowed, open fires are not. Never leave a fire unattended and light one only in fire rings; check status with the BLM, Forest Service and utah.gov/fire.
- Water is the bottleneck: filter or boil water from streams and lakes in the highlands; in the desert there is often no water at the pitches. Desert soils are fragile: stay on rocky or already used areas, and do not walk on biocrust (dark, knobbly soil crusts).
- Apps and sites: Recreation.gov (NPS, BLM, Forest Service), Utah State Parks Reservation (stateparks.utah.gov), iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt, Gaia GPS with the BLM layer. Road conditions via UDOT Traffic (udottraffic.utah.gov or 511).
- Bears Ears National Monument (BLM and Forest Service): dispersed camping permitted, but with rules to protect archaeological sites (not at ruins, do not take finds, do not drive off the trails); Cedar Mesa has a permit requirement for hikes and backcountry overnights. On Navajo Nation land, wild camping without permission is not allowed.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Dump stations and fresh water are not available in every park: in towns (Moab, Kanab, Bluff, Escalante, Torrey) for a fee at petrol stations or private sites, in some state parks for guests. Never release grey water onto the ground or into streams. sanidumps.com lists locations.
- Drinking water: tap water is drinkable in Utah. In national parks there are water points at the visitor centres and at campgrounds with water; in the desert and on BLM sites, take canisters (at least 4 l per person per day).
- Propane at petrol stations and dealers in Moab, Kanab, Cedar City, Blanding and St. George; European bottles need adapters and are mostly not refilled, rental motorhomes use fixed US tanks.
- Fuel: stretches between towns are long and there are many dead zones for mobile signal. Fill up fully before each section; in small towns petrol stations are more expensive and close early.
- Shopping: larger supermarkets in Moab, Kanab, Cedar City, St. George and Blanding; in small towns (Boulder, Torrey, Escalante, Mexican Hat), small shops with a limited range. Stock up on ice and fresh food beforehand.
- Electricity: pitches with hook-ups have 30 and 50 A (120 V); rental motorhomes bring the matching US cables. On pitches without electricity use the leisure battery and solar; generators are allowed in parks only at set times.
- Along Hwy 95 and in the south (Bluff, Mexican Hat, Kayenta) there are only small shops and few petrol stations; larger supermarkets in Blanding and Monticello. At Natural Bridges water is available only seasonally, at Goosenecks there is none.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits in mph: interstates 75–80, highways 55–65, in towns 25–35. Trailer combinations and larger motorhomes drive as signed, slower on mountain stretches because of the gradients. Use pullouts when vehicles collect behind the camper.
- Dimensions: legal maximum height 14 ft (4.27 m), width 8.5 ft (2.59 m). Watch for tunnels, rock overhangs and tight bends in parks; car parks at sights are often small and tight for vehicles over 25–30 ft.
- National parks: since 2026, higher fees or surcharges apply in some heavily visited parks for visitors without US residence; check current amounts at nps.gov. The America the Beautiful Pass is valid in NPS and BLM areas, not in Utah State Parks.
- Reservations: campgrounds in national parks and Forest Service via Recreation.gov (up to six months ahead), state parks via the Utah State Parks system; some pitches first come, first served only. In high season (April–May, September–October), advance planning makes sense.
- Weather: spring to early autumn is hot at low elevations (over 35 °C), at altitude (Bryce, Boulder Mountain) frost at night until May and from September. Thunderstorms and flash floods in canyons from July to September: never enter slot canyons when there is a risk of rain, and check the forecast the day before.
- Traffic law: right turn on red after a full stop, except where prohibited; at stop signs, order of arrival applies. Open alcohol containers in the vehicle prohibited, mobile phones hands-free only. A German driving licence is enough, an international one is recommended. Child-seat and seat-belt rules apply in motorhomes too.
- Emergencies: 911. Mobile signal often drops out in canyon areas; do not leave the vehicle if you break down off the road, and tell someone your route in advance. Always plan a larger water reserve in the vehicle than necessary.
- Navajo Nation: park entry fees and rules apply for the Navajo Tribal Park; photographing people only with permission, drones only with authorisation, alcohol is prohibited on Navajo land. The Navajo Nation observes daylight saving time, Arizona does not. Gravel tracks (Valley Drive, Valley of the Gods, Moki Dugway) are unsuitable for campers in wet weather; avoid the Moki Dugway with large motorhomes and trailer combinations.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Water canister (20 l) and filter: Natural Bridges, Goosenecks and Valley of the Gods have little or no drinking water.
- Head torch with red light and a tripod: Natural Bridges is a Dark Sky Park, starry sky at new moon.
- Levelling ramps and sand ladders: soft ground and slopes on forest and BLM access roads.
- Sun protection, hat and sunglasses: desert with little shade, summer over 35 °C.
- Offline maps (Gaia GPS) and a paper map of Cedar Mesa: mobile signal often drops out between Blanding and Monument Valley.
- Cash (small change) for entry fees and markets on Navajo land; card payment does not work everywhere.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Moab** (UT)
2. **Monticello** (UT)
3. **Blanding** (UT)
4. **Natural Bridges** (UT)
5. **Bluff** (UT)
6. **Valley of the Gods** (Mexican Hat, UT): A 27 km graded dirt road loops among isolated sandstone buttes and pinnacles, like a smaller Monument Valley without fees. Passable for cars in dry weather; skip it after rain, when the washes flood.
7. **Mexican Hat** (UT)
8. **Goosenecks State Park** (Mexican Hat, UT): An overlook above a series of tight meanders where the San Juan River has cut 300 m into the rock. It is a short paved drive off Utah 261; a small day fee is paid at a self-service kiosk.
9. **Monument Valley** (Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ): Sandstone buttes on Navajo Nation land, known from a century of Westerns. The valley drive is unpaved, and Navajo guides lead tours deeper in.

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in January–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Mesas, bridges and buttes: by camper through Bears Ears and Monument Valley?**
5-day road trip of about 339 km (211 mi) with 9 stops, from Moab to Monument Valley. About 3 h 46 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Mesas, bridges and buttes: by camper through Bears Ears and Monument Valley?**
We suggest 5 days: about 3 h 46 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Mesas, bridges and buttes: by camper through Bears Ears and Monument Valley start and end?**
It starts in Moab and ends in Monument Valley.

**Which states does Mesas, bridges and buttes: by camper through Bears Ears and Monument Valley pass through?**
Utah and Arizona.

**Where can you camp along Mesas, bridges and buttes: by camper through Bears Ears and Monument Valley?**
OpenStreetMap lists 132 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Sun Outdoors North Moab, Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway and Red Desert RV Park.

**When is the best time for Mesas, bridges and buttes: by camper through Bears Ears and Monument Valley?**
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)