Getting Oriented
The dugway sits in San Juan County between Bears Ears National Monument (north of the dugway, on Cedar Mesa) and Valley of the Gods (south of the dugway, near Monument Valley). Mexican Hat on US-163 is the closest service town to the southern end. Blanding on US-191 is the closer service town to the northern end. The Cedar Mesa portion of the route accesses some of the most archaeologically rich BLM land in the country, with thousands of Ancestral Puebloan sites in the canyons.
Trail Overview
From the south, drive west on US-163 from Mexican Hat to State Route 261. The first 30 miles are paved through Valley of the Gods area. The dugway begins where the pavement ends — three miles of graded dirt with eight switchbacks climbing 1,200 feet up the cliff face. The road's official 10% maximum grade is steeper than most paved highways. Drivers reach the top at the rim of Cedar Mesa, where SR-261 returns to pavement and continues north to UT-95.
Most travelers also detour into Valley of the Gods (a 17-mile dirt loop south of the dugway, suitable for high-clearance vehicles) and Muley Point (a short spur from the top of the dugway with one of the best views in the Southwest).
Points of Interest
- Moki Dugway switchbacks. The defining feature: three miles of dirt switchbacks dropping 1,200 feet.
- Muley Point Overlook. A short spur from the top of the dugway with panoramic views of Monument Valley, the Goosenecks of the San Juan, and the entire Four Corners region.
- Valley of the Gods. A 17-mile dirt loop south of the dugway with sandstone monoliths similar to Monument Valley but on BLM land (no fees).
- Cedar Mesa. The plateau the dugway climbs onto. Thousands of Ancestral Puebloan sites in the surrounding canyons.
- Bears Ears National Monument. Includes Cedar Mesa.
- Goosenecks State Park. Five miles southwest of the dugway, with views of the San Juan River's incised meanders.
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is allowed on Cedar Mesa with the 14-day stay limit. Several BLM campgrounds in the area (Sand Island, Goosenecks State Park) offer developed sites with fees. Mexican Hat has commercial lodging. Bears Ears NM permits are required for some Cedar Mesa hiking destinations; check at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Visit spring or fall. Summer temperatures top 100°F.
- Trucks over 10,000 lbs, RVs, buses, and towing combinations should not attempt the dugway.
- Carry water; there is no potable water on the road.
- Cell service is spotty.
- Cedar Mesa archaeological sites are federally protected. Do not touch artifacts; do not enter cliff dwellings without permits.
- Stay on designated roads. Off-road driving on Cedar Mesa damages the cryptobiotic soil and disturbs cultural sites.
- Check Bears Ears NM permit requirements for Cedar Mesa hiking before going.
- Contact the BLM Monticello Field Office at 435-587-1500 or the Kane Gulch Ranger Station for current conditions.
