Bluff Scenic Byway: Bluff to Monument Valley

While komoot lists this route as a hike, the Bluff Scenic Byway is primarily known as a scenic driving route along US Highway 163. It connects the town of Bluff to the Arizona border at Monument Valley. However, it serves as a gateway to numerous opportunities for hiking and exploring the unique terrain and scenery in the areas it traverses, including within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and Bears Ears National Monument.

The byway offers breathtaking views of red rock formations, buttes, and mesas. Key highlights include the iconic Forrest Gump Point overlooking Monument Valley, Flag Butte, and Scotchman Butte. You'll also pass the Welcome to Utah Sign – Monument Valley. Beyond the listed highlights, you can find spectacular buttes and pinnacles in Valley of the Gods and the dramatic San Juan River meanders at Goosenecks State Park.

The terrain varies significantly depending on where you choose to hike. Generally, you'll encounter a dramatic desert landscape of red rock spires, knobs, cliffs, buttes, and mesas. Hiking surfaces can range from relatively flat, sandy paths to rocky, uneven climbs. Within Monument Valley, for example, trails offer an up-close experience with desert air and native plant life among the magnificent formations.

The best times to visit are typically spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures are more moderate, making both driving and hiking more comfortable. Summer can be extremely hot, and winter can bring cold temperatures and occasional snow, which might affect road conditions, especially on unpaved sections within Monument Valley.

Yes, while driving the byway itself doesn't require a permit, accessing certain areas does. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, for instance, has an entrance fee. The byway also passes through Bears Ears National Monument, which generally does not have entrance fees for driving through, but specific activities or areas within it might have regulations or require permits. Always check the official websites for the most current information before your visit.

Dogs are generally welcome along the scenic byway itself. However, regulations vary significantly for specific attractions and parks along the route. For example, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park has restrictions on where dogs are allowed (typically only in vehicles or designated areas, not on most trails). It's crucial to check the specific rules for any park or tribal land you plan to enter with your dog.

As this is primarily a driving route, parking is available at various viewpoints, pull-offs, and visitor centers along US Highway 163. For hiking, specific trailheads within areas like Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park or other public lands will have designated parking. Given the backcountry nature, always ensure your vehicle is parked safely and legally, and be aware that cell service can be limited.

Yes, while primarily a scenic byway, sections of this route do overlap with other paths. Specifically, the route passes through several segments of the "Old Highway Road" at various points.

Given it's a backcountry desert environment, preparation is key. Always carry ample water, especially if you plan to hike. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) is essential. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for any trail exploration. It's also wise to bring snacks, a map (as cell service can be spotty), and a first-aid kit. Check weather conditions before you go, as rain can significantly impact unpaved sections.

Yes, the town of Bluff, at the start of the byway, offers accommodations such as Bluff Desert Rose Resort & Cabins, along with dining options. As you approach Monument Valley, there are also lodging and dining facilities, particularly near the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center. However, services can be sparse along the 45-mile stretch, so plan accordingly.

This byway is notable for its iconic scenery, offering some of the most famous and breathtaking desert landscapes on Earth, widely recognized from classic Western movies. It also holds significant cultural importance, with about half of the byway on the Navajo Nation and numerous Ancestral Puebloan ruins throughout the region. The dramatic geological wonders, like those in Monument Valley and Goosenecks State Park, further add to its allure.