After Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, we made southward descend to Arizona by way of Route 95 from Blanding, UT passing through jaw-dropping scenery of Route 261 and merging on Route 163 for Monument Valley. This part of stretch included stops at Butler Wash Ruins and rollercoaster-ride-like-switchbacks on Moki Dugway down to Garden of the Gods and visit to Goosenecks State Park. The whole journey was scenic with many surprises.
Butler Wash Ruins and Stone Arch
The day began with coffee and research at Peace Tree Juice Cafe in Monticello, UT just outside of our Airbnb lodge. First point of interest to stop was Butler Wash Ruins on Route 95 west of Blanding. At first we have missed the parking entrance as there was no clear road sign coming from the east. Eventually, we realized that we were on the road for too long and turned back to find the narrow entrance that leads to the parking area.
This BLM hiking trail is quite primitive but easy to navigate with curious footsteps. Trail to Butler Wash Ruins viewpoint is only 1 mile so it is short 30 minutes stroll for most hikers. Bring water to stay hydrated. At the end of the trail you will find fenced platform overlooking ancient ruins of Puebloan ancestry.
If you dare, try climbing up the hills next to the viewpoint to the stone arch above where the ruins sit. This slick rock arch exhibits another incredible type of natural rock formation. We walked across the arch and did an easy climb down to the cavern underneath the arch.
Unlike red rock arches we’ve seen in Arches National Park, the arch in Butler Wash was more like a cavern with massive hole drilled on its ceiling. Puddles inside the water pockets told the stories of flash flood that has carved out this beautiful rock over time.
Moki Dugway
After Butler Wash Ruins, we continued on Route 96 and turned on Route 261. The drive on Route 261 mostly consisted of rather non-exciting desert scenery which eventually opened up and taken us by surprise with amazing panoramic view of Garden of the Gods unfurling below our feet. Moki Dugway that stands on the edge of cliff was a perfect turnout to enjoy the majestic view of world below.
From Moki Dugway we could see many interesting rock formation scattering across the earth like chess pieces. Garden of the Gods and Mexican Hat in the distance, we sat by the cliff to take in what this planet has to offer. It was one of the favorite moments of this road trip.
Driving down Moki Dugway was another fun part of this stretch; a single lane gravel road turning into rollercoaster-like ride to the bottom of cliffs. Thanks to gods of the Garden of the Gods it was not raining today. Once we reached the bottom, the path took us to a whimsical detour on Goosenecks State Park, another interesting stop for unique land formation.
Goosenecks State Park
Once we entered the park the view of gorges immediately reminded me of photos of Horseshoe Bend. Except not just one but there are numerous twists and turns of bendy gorges in this place. Gorges of Goosenecks State Park showed exactly how violent movement of water made impact on the shapes of earth. We hiked the way down to the narrow ridge for a better look at this unique water passage.
The sun was right above our heads and the day was moving so fast. We are getting closer to the legendary Monument Valley.
Route 163 – Road to Monument Valley
Monument Valley appeared in our sight rather gradually after passing a small town of Mexican Hat. After the path cleared in sight the collection of rocky monuments started to reveal its mystical silhouette beyond the shimmer. Once it appeared however, Monument Valley did not allow us to look away from its majesty.
As seen on TV screens, Monument Valley was without a doubt genuine reflection of Western sentiment that we all carry as viewers of John Ford movies. Come on, let’s face it. Monument Valley is synonymous to classic American landscape! You can see bits and pieces of Monument Valley from Route 163, but the best way to fully experience this place is to enter Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park entrance fee is $20 per vehicle and it takes you right into the middle of most amazing collection of rock formation that is otherwise not visible from the highway. I would recommend spending at least 2 hours in the park to join the tour or drive through scenic driveway yourself to engage in this beautiful place preserved by Navajo Nation. It is truly worth a visit.
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17 miles scenic drive was very much a battle with dusts and bumpy road until you reach the viewpoints marked on the visitor’s map. John Ford’s Point was the first stop we made, and it immediately hit me with magnificent view of classic John Ford movies:
Every mile on scenic drive took us further and deeper into the valley’s hidden treasures. A constantly changing faces of rock formation and different degree of erosion made this place like Museum of Nature’s Fine Arts. Sunset hour was approaching to make this place even more interesting.
Descending sun added amazing lighting effect to Monument Valley. Every minute, every second turned the look of valley into something different. A contrast of light and shadow made the symbolic monuments stand out from the horizon, and softening light following the disappearance of sun made everything look dreamlike.
We left Monument Valley once the sunlight completely dispersed beyond horizon, and started driving towards Page, AZ for the next day’s adventure. The story continues.
(to be continued)
★JUMP TO PART 1 :: ARCHES & CANYONLANDS NPS!★
★JUMP TO PART 3 :: LOWER ANTELOPE CANYON AND ZION NATIONAL PARK!★
★JUMP TO PART 4 :: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK!★
★JUMP TO PART 5 :: CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK AND BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS!★
★JUMP TO PART 6 :: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK!★
Useful Links:
BML Website for Butler Wash Ruins
Good Things to Know About Moki Dugway